Supporting FQHCs in Maintaining Compliance Through Ongoing Peer Review and Quality Improvement

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are required by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to maintain a robust Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance (QI/QA) program that ensures continuous monitoring of clinical performance and patient safety. As part of this requirement, health centers must ensure that physicians and other licensed health care professionals conduct QI/QA assessments at least quarterly, using data systematically collected from patient records. These assessments verify provider adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines and standards of care, while also ensuring that patient safety events and adverse outcomes are identified, analyzed, and appropriately addressed to promote high-quality, safe, and compliant care.

Meeting HRSA Requirements Through Structured Peer Review

To remain compliant, FQHCs must demonstrate that they regularly evaluate provider performance in key areas, including:

• Adherence to evidence-based guidelines and standards of care in clinical decision-making.

• Identification and analysis of patient safety events, adverse outcomes, or system-based risks.

• Corrective actions and continuous improvement based on findings from peer and QI/QA reviews.

While internal review processes are essential, many FQHCs face challenges related to limited clinical resources, staffing shortages, or potential conflicts of interest when reviewing colleagues’ work. This is where Quality Peer Solutions (QPS) provides valuable external support.

How QPS Supports FQHC QI/QA Compliance

QPS partners with FQHCs to conduct objective, evidence-based expert peer reviews and structured QI/QA assessments that align with HRSA’s compliance expectations. Our services help ensure each facility meets the quarterly review requirement while maintaining fairness, consistency, and defensibility in provider evaluations.

1. Systematic, Data-Driven Review Process

QPS uses a structured methodology that draws directly from patient records, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of each provider’s documentation, clinical reasoning, and adherence to current best practices. This process aligns with HRSA’s emphasis on systematic data collection and analysis as part of ongoing QI/QA monitoring.

2. Objective and Unbiased Evaluations

As an independent third party, QPS delivers reviews free from internal bias or organizational influence. Our external peer reviewers—experienced physicians within the same specialty—provide unbiased assessments that enhance the credibility and integrity of the health center’s QI/QA process.

3. Focus on Evidence-Based Standards and Patient Safety

Every QPS review assesses provider performance against nationally recognized standards of care and specialty-specific guidelines, identifying both compliance and opportunities for improvement. When potential patient safety issues or adverse events are detected, QPS provides clear documentation and actionable recommendations to guide follow-up actions and quality initiatives.

4. Comprehensive Reporting for Compliance Documentation

QPS provides detailed reports that outline findings, rationales, and improvement recommendations. These reports serve as valuable documentation for QI/QA committee reviews and HRSA site visits, demonstrating that the health center is actively monitoring provider performance and addressing patient safety concerns.

5. Flexible Review Options to Support Ongoing Monitoring

QPS offers both case-based reviews and subscription-based OPPE/QI reviews to support ongoing compliance. Through subscription plans, FQHCs can ensure that reviews are conducted quarterly or continuously throughout the year, meeting regulatory expectations efficiently and cost-effectively.

Strengthening a Culture of Quality and Accountability

By partnering with QPS, FQHCs can ensure that their QI/QA processes not only meet HRSA requirements but also foster a culture of continuous improvement, patient safety, and clinical excellence. Our reviews provide the actionable insights health centers need to support provider development, enhance outcomes, and maintain compliance with federal and accreditation standards.

In summary:
Quality Peer Solutions helps FQHCs maintain compliance with HRSA QI/QA requirements by delivering systematic, unbiased, and evidence-based external peer reviews. Through structured quarterly assessments, QPS ensures that provider performance, patient safety, and quality improvement efforts are fully documented, actionable, and aligned with the highest standards of care.