Quantifying Performance in a Health Center

All FQHC clinics are required to have a written Quality Assurance Plan. It's the board of directors' responsibility to ensure that a Quality Assurance Plan is in place. The plan must have a staff committee that reports to the board's Quality Assurance Committee. An appropriately designed plan gives the center measurable outcomes that document improvements to patient health status.

Quality Assurance Plans document the efficacy and appropriateness of patient care. This assures that treatment is available and delivered in a timely and effective fashion. Patients are assured of continuity of care delivered in a safe environment in a respectful, caring manner.

Key Measurable Elements in a Quality Assurance Plan
• Provider staff performance
• Support staff performance
• Health records system
• Patient compliance
• Patient satisfaction
• Board performance