Are there special staffing requirements for FQHCs?
No, there are no specific requirements for staffing mix at FQHCs. FQHCs are required to have a core staff of full time providers but there is no specific definition of core staff. It is recommended that they maintain a staffing level that allows for between 4,200-6,000 visits per year for each full-time equivalent health care provider. Another guide to the appropriate number of providers is described in the Requirements of Fiscal Year 2005 Funding Opportunity for Health Center New Access Point Grant Applications (PIN 2005-01) as a physician to patient ratio of 1:1,500 and a midlevel practitioner to patient ratio of 1:750. Additional information about staffing and other requirements is available in Health Center Program Expectations (PIN 98-23).