Board Governance

As federally funded organizations, FQHCs are expected to meet certain requirements that are designed to ensure that services are provided in a patient-centered setting. One requirement mandates that the FQHC be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of at least 51% health center patients. This requirement ensures that the health center remains responsive to the needs of the community it serves. FQHCs are also encouraged to recruit board members who have expertise in areas such as health care, business, and law, so they can lend their experience to the governance of the health center.

At the LPCA, we recognize the important role that board members have in the long-term success of a health center.

We work to ensure that the Board of Directors of each existing or new FQHC in Louisiana understands their roles and responsibilities. To do this, we conduct a series of technical assistance for regional boards in various locations throughout the state. These sessions emphasize the core responsibilities of health center board members, including their legal and financial obligations and their advanced responsibilities, such as fundraising and legislator education. In particular, the courses we offer may include, but are not limited to:

Core Courses

Introduction to Health Center Governance
Legal Responsibilities of Health Center Board Members
Financial Responsibilities of Health Center Board Members
Personnel Policies and Procedures Development
Clinical Aspects of the Health Center

Advanced Courses

Strategic Planning for Health Center Boards
Hiring and Evaluating the Executive Director
Conducting a Board Meeting
Monitoring and Evaluating the Health Center and Board
Health Center Policy and Education
Health Center Fundraising

We also offer individualized board technical assistance to new or existing FQHCs on site, or at another location of their choosing.

For more information about technical assistance for boards, please contact Susie Hutchinson at shutchinson@lpca.net or (225) 927-7662 ext. 212.