Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The purpose of this page is to provide answers to some of the more commonly asked questions related to the Standards of Excellence and Seal of Excellence. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for the Standards. Please refer to the Standards for the complete text. The information contained in the Standards of Excellence is not intended to serve as legal advice nor should it substitute for legal counsel. The Standards of Excellence is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to seek additional detailed technical guidance to supplement the information contained herein.
1. Why should my FCC apply for the seal of excellence?
The WAFCC Standards of Excellence are designed to promote and describe best practices which maximize access to quality healthcare. The Standards self-assessment process assists clinics in identifying areas of strength and areas for growth and improvement. Furthermore, it provides a guidance for a clinic's risk management discussion. The Seal of Excellence shows to donors, foundations, and community members your clinic's dedication to providing the highest quality care to those who need it most.
2. Where should my clinic begin? We have limited human resources (staff & volunteers).
We recommend beginning with the self-assessment tool. You will probably be surprised how much your clinic already does. The WAFCC Manager is available to assist you with the self-assessment tool completion; either by phone or in-person visits. Once the self-assessment is complete, WAFCC will help you make a plan for completing the standards evidence, in particular connecting you to other clinics and resources; or developing training - this plan puts you on track to sign an MOU and be awarded the Bronze Seal.
3. What about the primary medical home model? How does the standards of excellence align?
During the development of the Standards of Excellence, WAFCC reviewed the NCQA's Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). The PCMH puts patients at the forefront of care. Research shows that the PCMH improves quality, the patient experience and staff satisfaction, while reducing health care costs. WAFCC incorporated many elements of the PCMH that are applicable to free and charitable clinics into the Standards of Excellence. The Standards of Excellence are evidence-based and best practice Standards. WAFCC encourages clinics to seek both the Seal of Excellence award and the PCMH Accreditation.
4. Is the seal of excellence an accreditation?
No. The Standards of Excellence is a tool for clinics to maximize access to quality health care for the most vulnerable in their communities. The Seal of Excellence is a recognition of a clinic's commitment to the Standards and quality care for the under-served. That being said, part of the Seal award process does include a site visit and review of evidence. The information contained in the Standards of Excellence is not intended to serve as legal advice nor should it substitute for legal counsel. The Standards of Excellence is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to seek additional detailed technical guidance to supplement the information contained herein.
5. What are the award levels of the seals of excellence?
There are three award levels of the Standards of Excellence:
- Bronze- Provisional Seal: The clinic has signed the WAFCC memorandum of understanding (MOU) to achieve the Standards of Excellence.
- Silver- Standards Seal: The clinic must meet all "Required" evidence.
- Gold- Distinguished Seal: The clinic must meet all "Required" and "Optimal" Evidence.
6. What is the purpose of the memorandum of understanding (MOU)?
The MOU is the document that the clinics sign for wanting to work on achieving the Standards of Excellence, and then WAFCC will give the clinics a "Standards of Excellence Provisional Seal (Bronze)". Once the clinic achieves the Standards, they can apply for any of the other two Seals.
7. Does a clinic need to submit all "required" and "optimal" evidence for applicable
standards to the Wafcc at the time of MOU signing?
standards to the Wafcc at the time of MOU signing?
The clinics do not need to submit all the evidence for the Standards when they turn in the MOU. We would prefer a one-time document when the clinics complete the Standards. WAFCC recommends that the evidence is in a specific location for easy access and evaluation. WAFCC also recommends placing completed Standards evidence or directions on how to locate Standards evidence in a physical and/or electronic binder.
8. Do I need to apply for the bronze seal before I can apply for the silver or gold?
No. If you have all the documentation needed for the Silver or Gold Standard seal, then you can skip applying for the Bronze seal all together.
9. If I apply for the silver or gold seal do I still need to fill out an MOU?
No, if you are applying for the Silver or Gold Standards seal you do not need to fill out an MOU. Just make sure you have an electronic and/or a physical binder that holds all the necessary documentation.
10. Is there a deadline to when I have to submit my standards application?
No, currently there is not deadline by which you have to submit your application. However, we do like to honor our new Standards recipients at our Uninsured and SafetyNet Summits. They take place at the beginning of November so if you are able to get your application in one to two weeks prior to the event we love to celebrate our recipients.
11. After I submit my standards application and the required documents,
what happens next?
what happens next?
Once the Standards Seal application and documentation are submitted, WAFCC will contact the clinic within five (5) business days to schedule a site visit and self-assessment audit. On the mutually selected day and time, WAFCC evaluator(s) will visit the clinic to review the documentation supporting the self-assessment “required” and “optimal” evidence. For more information, see step four of the seal application tab of the Standards.
12. What happens if after I submit my application I don't have all the evidence
that is needed to achieve the seal I applied for?
that is needed to achieve the seal I applied for?
If you do not have all the documentation and evidence that is needed then unfortunately you will not be awarded the seal you applied for. If a Standard is deemed not achieved, a plan of action, via an MOU will be created and you can still receive the bronze seal.
13. What if I receive the bronze seal, but after a year I still do not have all the "required evidence" to achieve the silver seal?
There will be a renewal application provided two (2) months prior to seal lapse. In order to maintain the bronze seal you must meet the deadlines you put down on your MOU. Clinics must attest that the previously demonstrated Standards are still achieved along with evidence for any new or revised Standards. A clinic can stay at the Bronze Seal level for a maximum of three years. After three years a clinic must apply for the Silver or Gold Seal of Excellence and remove the Bronze Seal.
14. What if I am unable to achieve the standards by the deadline I put down on the MOU?
WAFCC expects that all deadlines you put down on the MOU will be followed. Should complications arise, and any of the deadlines in your MOU no longer be achievable you must contact us immediately so that another MOU can be drawn up and signed.
15. How long do I need to wait before applying for the next seal level?
There is no waiting period that you must wait before applying for the next Standards seal. Just submit another application and go through each step of the application process.
16. Can I combine all the documents/policies into one document for
governing body approval?
governing body approval?
Some clinics are preparing all the policies that will need approval for one board meeting, and then just having them all go to the board at the same time for one meeting that will cover everything. They can make one motion to approve all the documents vs. the process of having multiple meetings verifying approval.
17. What should I do if I have further question about the standards?
Please contact Connor Doppler via email at: connor.doppler@wafcclinics.org or by phone at: 763-567-9572.