Health Center Operations

The topics listed below are of high operational interest. These topics may change periodically based upon the needs of health centers and the health care delivery environment.

Special Interest Topics – The rapidly evolving health service delivery environment requires a responsive approach to emerging issues. This page covers emergent topics facing health centers.

Emergency Management/Continuity of Operations – Disaster can strike at any time. Being prepared to handle a disaster and continue business operations is key in providing care to the communities served by health centers.

Health Center Growth and Development – Starting or expanding a health center requires significant operational readiness. NACHC provides resources and assistance to help ease the process and transition a new center or expansion site from the idea stage to operational reality.

Health Information Technology (HIT) – HIT makes it possible to better manage patient care through secure use and sharing of health information. HIT includes electronic health record use, business intelligence, cybersecurity and telehealth operations.

Outreach and Enabling Services – Health centers have a long and robust history of conducting outreach to community residents who lack access to health care and other critical services that contribute to health and well-being.

Risk Management – Health center executives are responsible for many of the organization’s risk and compliance management activities. In today’s challenging regulatory environment providing an overall safe environment, preventing or minimizing adverse events, and complying with federal and state laws and regulations are crucial to maintaining a program. NACHC’s risk management forum will provide resources and assistance to help health centers maintain organizational integrity.

Special and Vulnerable Populations – The Health Center Program is required by statute to provide care for underserved populations.  In addition, the Health Center Program is required to provide care for designated “special populations,” which are residents of public housing, homeless populations and migratory and seasonal agricultural workers. The Health Center Program also provides access to primary and preventive care for military veterans, elderly, and school age children through community clinic sites and school-based health centers.