We provide FQHCs with practical advice regarding all aspects of their organizations, whether legal, strategic, or operational. This advice includes everything from starting up a new FQHC (both in the case of a health system “spinning off” its outpatient clinics or private practices, or in the case of a new start-up organization), to running their daily operations, negotiating their arrangements with third parties, and their interactions with regulators.  We also regularly assist new and existing FQHCs with achieving and maintaining compliance with the Health Resources and Services Administration (“HRSA”) programmatic requirements, preparing for HRSA Operational Site Visits (“OSVs”), and responding to any OSV findings.

We provide guidance to FQHCs regarding billing compliance, federal grants management requirements, Federal Tort Claims Act (“FTCA”) coverage, the 340B Drug Discount Program, value-based opportunities, and other regulatory requirements impacting FQHC compliance and operations.

Our attorneys are uniquely adept at assisting clients with identifying potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities for FQHCs, including hospital and residency program collaborations, and have considerable experience with structuring and reviewing myriad types of contracts and services agreements between FQHCs and health systems/hospitals, other health care providers, business associates, and vendors, while ensuring that the FQHCs continue to comply with the extensive fraud and abuse and specific service requirements imposed by applicable laws and regulations.

Garfunkel Wild brings extensive experience in helping health systems with their “FQHC strategy”. This includes guiding health systems in their efforts in spinning their clinics/practices off into FQHCs (whether new or established) and structuring collaboration opportunities with FQHCs as they relate to specialist arrangements, residency arrangements, and value-based opportunities.