The success of a Federally Qualified Health Center's (FQHC) 340B Program hinges on a comprehensive and collaborative team approach to engagement. The 340B Program is often seen as a pharmacy program. In reality, the 340B Program touches nearly every corner of an FQHC. It is essential to educate every staff member, empowering them with the necessary tools to drive 340B success.
Often, community health centers focus their 340B education efforts solely on pharmacy staff and those directly involved with the Program. However, a more effective strategy would include the entire staff, from medical providers to clinical support staff to administrative staff, in comprehensive 340B education. This approach ensures that all team members understand the Program's nuances and contribute to its success.
Commonly, medical providers do not understand the 340B Program. By educating your providers, you give them the tools they need to drive 340B success. A suggested method for achieving this is integrating a pharmacy representative into the orientation process for medical providers. The pharmacist or pharmacy technician can explain the Program in its entirety and how 340B affects their individual role.This education can also provide staff the ability to ask questions about the program and its implementation at your FQHC.
Employee engagement does not stop at medical providers. Clinical support staff, including nurses and front desk workers, can serve a pivotal role in a successful program. They often serve as patients' first point of contact.Educating these staff members on the Program's importance empowers them to grow your Program.
Board members can play a critical role in the success of Community Health Centers, and it's imperative to ensure their understanding of the 340B Program. Given its complexity, simplifying the Program in board reports can increase engagement and comprehension. It is important to focus on more than simply the financials with your board. Often, by highlighting the crucial work your FQHC does that is only possible because of your 340B savings, you can create an engaged board.
Establishing a presence on the health center's social media team is a strategic move for optimizing your 340B Program. A designated member can leverage social media platforms to educate patients about the 340B Program and emphasize the presence of an in-house pharmacy. Regular posting to these platforms drives online engagement with your patients, which makes it a prime location to share information about your in-house pharmacy. This direct communication channel with patients can enhance engagement with and associated success of your 340B Program.
Shifting the perception that the 340B Program is solely a pharmacy or financial initiative is essential. The Program's impact spans across all levels of the health center, making it possible for the health center to provide more comprehensive services despite limited compensation from un- and under-insured populations.Active engagement of the leadership and C-Suite team is crucial for setting the Program's direction. Engaged leadership can drive success in many ways such as hiring the best people for the Program, ensuring you have buy-in across the organization, providing necessary resources, setting up compliance programs, and implementing services, such as opening an in-house pharmacy.
Similar to our health centers 330 grants, the 340B Program relies heavily on federal legislation. Educating lawmakers on the life-saving impact of the Program and providing Congress with positive patient stories are instrumental in protecting the Program from potential threats that occur every year.
FQHCs must not forget state lawmakers when developing a legislative strategy for the 340B Program. State legislatures have passed bills that have successfully adapted the 340B Program in their states. For example, many states have passed laws preventing many of the predatory practices used by Pharmacy Benefit Managers(PBMs) against FQHCs. More recently, states have started passing bills to prevent contract pharmacist restrictions. By educating state lawmakers, FQHCs can make substantial, positive change, sometimes more quickly than with federal legislation.
Staying informed about the 340B Program is essential for leadership within community health centers. Utilizing available tools and resources, such as those offered by the National Association of Community Health Centers, which is now beginning to offer 340B Days at many of their conferences, and the Apexus 340B Prime Vendor Program, which provides training that is designed explicitly for FQHCs, ensures adaptation to changes in the program's landscape.
In conclusion, fostering organizational engagement across all levels can be the missing piece of a thriving 340B Program in FQHCs. From education initiatives to strategic advocacy efforts, a holistic approach to organizational engagement is vital for sustained success.
If your team is looking for an expert 340B Program partner with decades of experience, contact our FQHC 340B Compliance team today. All of the boxes may be checked when it comes to maintaining compliance, but if every department within your organization is not aligned with the same goals for the 340B Program, speak with our team about how organizational engagement has the potential to change the game for your FQHC.
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FQHC 340B Compliance is the dedicated partner for Federally Qualified Health Centers seeking assistance with the 340B Program. Their mission is to provide the necessary resources to secure and optimize the 340B Program, enabling health centers to offer more comprehensive services to those in need. With a focus on improved compliance and oversight, they act as more than just consultants or automated systems, tailoring their services to meet your health center's unique needs. Visit their website, call (760) 780-7469, or email info@fqhc340b.com to learn more about FQHC 340B Compliance and how they can help your health center thrive.
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