Description
A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is a community-based outpatient health care provider that receives funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program to provide primary care primary care services in undeserved areas. They must meet a stringent set of requirements, including providing care on a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay and operating under a governing board that includes patients. Federally Qualified Health Centers may be Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Health Centers for Residents of Public Housing.
OHCQ's oversight of federally qualified health centers is limited to complaint investigations authorized by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). OHCQ does not license or recommend certification for federally qualified health centers.
Maryland Regulations
Additional Oversight
OHCQ oversight of this provider type is limited to investigation of substantial allegations of an FQHC's non-compliance with Medicare requirements. OHCQ investigates the complaints on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). All complaints must be reviewed and approved for an investigation by CMS. OHCQ does not license FQHCs or make recommendations for the initial certification of FQHCs.
Resources
CMS has information related to FQHC requirements, reimbursements, and other resources at Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Certification
To become Medicaid certified as a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, the program must obtain a provider agreement with the State Medicaid Agency to provide the inpatient services benefit to Medicaid-eligible individuals under the age of 21 (psych under 21 benefit). The facility must be accredited by The Joint Commission. These facilities must also meet the requirements in CFR §441.151 through 441.182.
Contact OHCQ
Contact the Federally Qualified Health Centers Team
File a Federally Qualified Health Centers Complaint
Phone (410) 402-8040 | (800) 492-6005 | TTY (800) 735-2258
Fax (410) 402-8211
Jill Melton, Coordinator
Kristen Roberts, Program Manager
