OSV - Preparation for Success

OSV – Introduction

Operational Site Visit Course Introduction

 Introduction

“Before anything else, Preparation is the key to Success” – Alexander Graham Bell

Vocabulary:  Words and Acronyms to Know

  • Health Center Program Compliance Manual – (Compliance Manual) serves as a streamlined and consolidated resource to assist health centers in understanding and demonstrating compliance with Health Center Program and Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) deeming requirements, and to increase clarity, transparency and consistency throughout the Health Center Program. HRSA staff use the Compliance Manual to determine health centers’ compliance with program requirements.
  • OSV – Operational Site Visit – an on-site evaluation from HRSA representatives to assess the Health Center’s compliance with statutory and regulatory federal guidelines
  • SVP – Site Visit Protocol – the tool for assessing compliance with Health Center Program requirements during Operational Site Visits (OSVs). The SVP provides HRSA with the information necessary to perform its oversight responsibilities using a standard and transparent methodology that aligns with the Health Center Program Compliance Manual. The SVP is used in the conduct of OSVs for current Health Center Program awardees and look-alikes, as well as for organizations seeking initial look-alike designation.

The Operational Site Visit – Preparation for Success!

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the process of an Operational Site Visit (OSV). The primary focus of an OSV is to evaluate how well the Health Center is successfully meeting the Health Center Program Requirements.
The first 8 lessons provide valuable insight into the Process of the on-site visit and the expectations of the OSV team reviewers. The remaining lessons will provide clarity to each of the Program Requirements. At the end of this course you will have a general understanding of the process and expectations of an Operational Site Visit.
As you progress through each “requirement” lesson you will learn what is expected from each HRSA Health Center Program Requirement through a series of questions taken from the Reviewer Findings section in the SVP. These questions (or findings) are the basis for measuring health center compliance.
As you progress through this course, you should be able to answer the questions at the end of each lesson. These study questions prepare you to successfully complete the quizzes. A final exam of multiple choice and True/False questions will reinforce what you have learned.
When you have completed this course, you will have a better understanding of what is expected and to successfully prepare for your Operational Site Visit.

A Top 10 “To Do” List for the OSV

  • Review the Health Center Compliance Program Manual
  • Inform your Board and Key Staff Members about the visit, the requirements, and HRSA expectations.
  • Review the HRSA Site Visit Protocol (SVP)
  • Staff members should know the details in the Health Center Program Compliance Manual and SVP for each of their respective areas
  • Gather and review documents or materials that demonstrate compliance with each related area
  • Organize your date – Establish a central location such as a Dropbox account or Flash Drives to store all related HRSA site visit documentation for easy retrieval and reference
  • Contact your Project Officer. Your Project Officer will provide details on the HRSA site visit.
  • Identify any areas or issues requiring clarification. These should be discussed on the HRSA site visit planning call. This call occurs after you are notified of the site visit and prior to the actual site team visit.
  • Board members should participate in the Entrance and Exit Conferences, as well as any other time requested by the HRSA team.
  • Plan Ahead! Remember, Preparation is the Key to Success!