HRSA Operational Site Visits – what are they, what you can expect, and how you can prepare as a health center.

HRSA-Operational-Site-Visits

All Health Centers will receive an Operational Site Visit (OSV) from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) approximately 12 – 16 months into their project period. These visits provide objective assessments of the state of Health Center awardees or look-alike’s compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the Health Center Program.

The OSV is designed to provide a full organizational assessment in all operational areas (fiscal, clinical, administration/ governance). Operational assessments are usually 3 days on site and are attended by Consultant Reviewers contracted by HRSA and a HRSA Representative. The focus of the OSV is to ensure that your health center is meeting all the elements detailed in the Program Compliance Manual.

The Site Visit Protocol (SVP) is the tool used at the OSV to perform oversight of Health Centers. The SVP includes a standard and transparent methodology that aligns with the Health Center Program Compliance Manual.

How to prepare?

The best way to prepare for an OSV is to thoroughly review the HRSA Health Center Program Site Visit Protocol web pages.  

These pages provide detailed visit protocols, checklists and assessments so you know what to expect before, during, and after the OSV. 

How can Oregon Primary Care Association’s (OPCA) help during HRSA OSV?

  • OPCA is available to answer questions, provide resources and connect to a network of clinics willing to share policies, procedures, and workflows.
  • Listen and learn. Site visits are a great forum for OPCA staff to learn about the prodigious work health center members do for their patients and communities.
  • OPCA’s presence during the entrance or exit conference is up to the health center. OPCA staff attend only when invited; our role is to be a supportive presence for the health center.