Administrative Requirements

A CHC must meet the administrative requirements specified in 130 CMR 405.406 to receive certification as outlined in 130 CMR 405.405. (A) Licensing. The CHC must be licensed as a clinic by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. For the purposes of 130 CMR 405.000, the term “licensee” means the entity named in the license issued by the Department of Public Health. A CHC can be comprised of multiple sites that are identified on the license as “satellites.” Services provided at satellites are considered to be provided on site. (B) Nonprofit Status. The CHC must be a nonprofit organization. (C) Staffing. (1) The CHC must employ an on-site manager who is qualified by education, training, or experience to serve as the administrator of the CHC. The manager is responsible to the licensee for both the management and administration of CHC services, for carrying out policies established or approved by the licensee, and for ensuring that the CHC complies with 130 CMR 405.000. (2) The CHC must employ a professional services director who is a health practitioner qualified by education, training, or experience to direct and evaluate the provision of health services in the CHC. The professional services director must supervise the staff members providing health services and must ensure that treatment and care are both adequate and appropriate to the needs of members and are in compliance with 130 CMR 405.000. The professional services director must be either on site or on call at all times that the CHC is in operation. (3) The same individual may serve as both the manager and the professional services director, if this individual meets the requirements in 130 CMR 405.406(C)(1) and (2). (D) Minimum Hours. The CHC must be open for the delivery of medical services to the public on a regular schedule for a minimum of 20 hours per week. The schedule must be arranged to afford maximum access to members, such as by regularly scheduled evening or weekend clinic hours. (E) Governing Board. The CHC must have a governing or advisory board that includes at least one person who regularly uses the services of the CHC. This person may not be employed by the CHC or the licensee while a member of the board. Matters subject to review by the board must include, but are not necessarily limited to, scope of services, budget, personnel policies, and program evaluation. (F) Member Grievances. The CHC must have established written procedures for accepting, processing, and responding to member grievances.