340B Program

A federal program allowing eligible health centers to purchase outpatient drugs at discounted prices to stretch scarce resources.

AAPCHO

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations; supports health centers serving AAPI populations.

ACA

Affordable Care Act; the 2010 law expanding access to health insurance and supporting community health centers.

Act 435

Arkansas law signed in 2025 establishing a statewide certification process for community health workers.

AFMC

Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care; provides quality improvement and Medicaid services.

AIMS

Access Increases in Mental Health and Substance Use Services; HRSA initiative supporting behavioral health integration.

ARcare

A federally qualified health center network operating multiple clinics across Arkansas.

Behavioral Health Integration

Coordinating primary care and mental health/substance use services to treat the whole person.

Board of Directors

Governing body of a health center; majority of members must be patients per federal requirements.

BPHC

Bureau of Primary Health Care. The HRSA bureau that oversees the Health Center Program.

Care Coordination

Organizing patient care activities and sharing information among all providers involved in a patient’s care.

CHC

Community Health Center; a community-based clinic providing comprehensive, affordable primary care.

CHW

Community Health Worker; a trusted community member trained to provide health education and support.

CHW Certification

State process for verifying that CHWs meet established standards under Act 435.

Chronic Care Management

Ongoing support for patients with multiple or serious chronic diseases.

CMS

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; federal agency overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.

Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)

Assessment identifying health priorities in a community to guide planning and partnerships.

Compliance Manual

HRSA publication outlining compliance requirements for federally qualified health centers.

Cost-Based Reimbursement

Payment method where Medicaid reimburses FQHCs based on actual costs of services.

Credentialing

The process of verifying a provider’s qualifications, licenses, and background.

Data Dashboard

Tool that displays key performance metrics, such as UDS data or quality indicators.

Dental Home

An ongoing relationship between a dentist and patient, similar to a medical home model.

Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME)

Program teaching people with diabetes to manage their condition effectively.

Enabling Services

Non-clinical services such as translation, transportation, and case management that support access to care.

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Digital system for documenting and sharing patient health information.

Emergency Preparedness

Planning and coordination to ensure continuity of services during disasters or crises.

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

A community-based provider meeting HRSA requirements to deliver care to underserved areas.

FQHC Look-Alike

A clinic that meets HRSA requirements but does not receive federal grant funding.

FTCA

Federal Tort Claims Act; provides medical malpractice coverage for qualifying health center staff.

Grant 330

Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act; authorizes funding for community health centers.

Governance Requirements

HRSA standards for board composition, authority, and patient majority.

HCCN

Health Center Controlled Network; group of health centers sharing data systems to improve care quality.

Health Center Program

Federal initiative under HRSA supporting FQHCs nationwide.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes linked to social, economic, or environmental disadvantage.

Health Equity

Ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity to achieve their best health.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; protects a patient’s personal information and medical records.

HPSA

Health Professional Shortage Area; federally designated area lacking sufficient health professionals.

HRSA

Health Resources and Services Administration; federal agency overseeing the Health Center Program.

Immunization Registry

Database tracking vaccines administered within a state or health system.

Integrated Care

Coordinated delivery of primary, behavioral, and sometimes dental services.

In-Scope Services

Services approved and listed under a health center’s HRSA scope of project.

KPI

Key Performance Indicator; measurable value showing progress toward an objective.

LAL

Look-Alike; shorthand for FQHC Look-Alike.

MAT

Medication-Assisted Treatment; use of medication combined with counseling to treat substance use disorders.

Medicaid Expansion

Policy allowing more low-income adults to qualify for Medicaid coverage under the ACA.

Medical Home

Model emphasizing coordinated, comprehensive, patient-centered primary care.

NHSC

National Health Service Corps; recruits and retains healthcare providers in underserved areas.

Non-Profit Status

Tax-exempt designation allowing community reinvestment of revenue into patient care.

Outreach

Efforts to connect with and engage underserved populations in care.

Patient Portal

Secure online system allowing patients to view records and communicate with providers.

Patient Satisfaction Survey

Tool used to measure patient experiences and improve quality of care.

PCMH

Patient-Centered Medical Home; recognition model for coordinated, team-based primary care.

Peer Review

Process where providers evaluate each other’s clinical performance for quality assurance.

Performance Improvement

Continuous process for evaluating and enhancing effectiveness of care delivery.

PHI

Protected Health Information; any individually identifiable health data covered under HIPAA.

PIP

Performance Improvement Plan; structured plan for addressing quality or performance gaps.

Population Health

Approach focusing on outcomes of groups rather than individual patients.

Preventive Care

Services aimed at disease prevention, such as screenings and immunizations.

Primary Care

Comprehensive, first-contact, and continuous medical care for individuals and families.

PRAPARE

Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks, and Experiences; tool for assessing social determinants of health.

QA/QI

Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement; processes ensuring services meet performance standards.

Reimbursement Rate

Amount paid by insurers or Medicaid/Medicare for services rendered.

Revenue Cycle Management

Administration of financial processes from patient registration through final payment.

Risk Management

Identifying and mitigating potential legal or safety risks within operations.

Rural Health Clinic (RHC)

Designation for clinics in rural areas providing primary care and qualifying for enhanced reimbursement.

SBHC

School-Based Health Center; clinic providing care to students and families on school grounds.

Sliding Fee Scale

Discount system ensuring services are affordable based on patient income and family size.

Strategic Plan

Organizational roadmap outlining goals, objectives, and action steps.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

A medical condition involving harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances.

Sustainability Plan

Strategy for maintaining financial and operational viability over time.

TA

Technical Assistance; guidance and resources provided to help centers improve performance.

Telehealth

Delivery of health services through electronic communications technology.

UDS

Uniform Data System; annual report submitted by health centers to HRSA summarizing performance.

Underserved Area

Geographic area or population with limited access to primary care services.

Value-Based Care

Payment model rewarding providers for quality and outcomes rather than volume.

Workforce Development

Efforts to recruit, train, and retain qualified health professionals.