NEW DIRECTORS ORIENTATION

JUNE 20, 2010LAS VEGAS, NV

MICHAEL FRENCH

AHEC History and Structure

Area Health Education Centers

AHEC Mission Statement

The mission of the AHEC program is to enhance access to quality health care, particularly primary and preventive care, by improving the supply and distribution of health care professionals through community/ academic educational partnerships.

Authorizing Legislation, Infrastructure Development Funding Point of Service Funding

AHEC Structures (Systems and Centers)Federal OfficesNational AHEC Organization (NAO)

History & Structure of AHEC

AHEC Legislation

Authorizing Legislation: Definitions – Section 799B (12) and (13) of Public

Health Service Act Title VII Requirements - Section 751 of the Public Health

Service Act Title VII (42 U.S.C. 294a)Created in 1972

Periodic reauthorizations Reauthorized in 2010 Patient Protection and

Affordable Care Act (PPACA) – 5 year authorizationCommunity-Based, Interdisciplinary

Program

AHEC Program Types

Infrastructure Development (New programs) New Programs - 12 years New Centers - 6 years

Point of Service Maintenance and Enhancement Existing programs Continuation and Modification No limit on duration

AHEC Legislation

Recipients: Schools of Medicine/Osteopathic Medicine; Parent

Institutions; Incorporated Consortia Nursing Schools

Funding: Federal cooperative agreements Matching State and local funds (1:1 match) Current authorization ($125 million) – Current

appropriation ($34 million) Funding shared between recipient school and centers

(75% rule) Minimum $250,000 per center (if sufficient

appropriation)

AHEC Today

56 AHEC Programs235 AHEC Centers48 States and the District of Columbia

AHEC Programs & Centers

AHEC Organizational Structure

locallocal

fedfed

statestate

Stakeholders

ProgramOffice

Centers

CommunitiesUniversities

AHEC Today

Types of Systems:Single State/Single Medical School

(Most Programs)Multiple State (WWAMI, Morehouse)Multiple Medical Schools (Kentucky,

Florida, Missouri)Multiple Health Professions SchoolsOthers – creative applicants (non-

medical school, etc.)

Administration & Governance

Program offices and centersFederal, state, local, institutional fundingLocal and statewide consortium

participation (with legislative participation/impact)

Performance data system--longitudinal data/tracking of participants and programs

Linkages with other state/local initiativesNeeds assessment, evaluation, and self-

sufficiency planning and implementation

AHEC Program

Program Office and at least 1 affiliated CenterRequirements

Recruitment of underrepresented populations – coordinate with public workforce system

Foster community-based training and education Prepare individuals to provide health care to the

underserved Conduct and participate in interdisciplinary training Deliver continuing education and disseminate information Propose and implement effective evaluation strategies Recruitment to public health careers 10% requirement for clinical education

AHEC Program Office

Resides in the Academic Health Center/Recipient school

Serves as the connection between the academic health center/recipient school through its scope of work, cooperative agreements, and fiscal responsibilities

Links to other health professions schoolsAdministers Federal and State AHEC

“contracts” Convenes a Program Advisory Commit

Connect the community and health professions training programs.

TypesIndependent Corporation 501(c)3

non-profit/not-for-profit

HostedConsortium Model

AHEC Centers

RequirementsOperation independent from awardeeNot a school of medicineDesignated non-duplicated service

area – underserved with workforce need

Maintain an Advisory/Governing Board reflecting the diversity of the communities involved

Collaborates with academic health center, public workforce system, etc.

AHEC Centers

Federal AHEC Structure

Department of Health and Human Services

Health Resources and Services Administration

Bureau of Health ProfessionsDivision of Diversity and

Interdisciplinary EducationAHEC Branch

Dept. of Health & Human Services

Health Resources & Services Administration

Bureau of Health Professions

Federal AHEC Offices

Federal AHEC Office – Is the liaison and technical assistance for programs. Responsibilities include review of:plans, contracts and/or agreementsfunding projectionsevaluation design

Federal Grants Management Office - oversight of fiscal issues related to grant implementation

Federal AHEC Office

The National AHEC Program OfficeAHEC BranchDivision of Diversity and Interdisciplinary EducationBureau of Health ProfessionsHealth Resources and Services AdministrationParklawn Building, Room 9 – 055600 Fishers LaneRockville, MD 20857

PHONE: 301 443-6950FAX: 301 443-0157

Louis Coccodrilli, MPH, Branch Chief

Federal AHEC Staff

Louis D. Coccodrilli, MPHBranch Chieflcoccodrilli@hrsa.govCapt. Norma Hatotnhatot@hrsa.gov