The Patient and Family Advisory Council
The Community Care Cooperative (C3) Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a partnership of patient and family member advisors and C3, dedicated to advancing comprehensive and compassionate patient and family centered health care for all the diverse populations served by C3.
Why is the Patient and Family Advisory Council Important?
- Patients and families get the chance to provide their input and DIRECTLY influence the policies, programs and practices that affect the care they and their loved ones receive from our health center and affiliated participating providers.
- The PFAC is designed to focus on, and promote, patient-centeredness and patient safety, and serves as the patient VOICE in the health care system.
- PFAC members build positive relationships with the health care community and collaborate with their fellow members to promote the perspectives of patients and other stakeholders.
Purpose
The PFAC plays an active role in improving the patient and family care experience by identifying opportunities and gathering and providing feedback and perspectives on the plans, activities, and programs of C3 related to patient and family-centered health care.
What are the Responsibilities of Patient and Family Advisory Council Members?
- Participation both in and out of meetings.
- Have a willingness to collaborate with other council members, as well as C3 staff, patients, and families to ensure a patient and family-centered care experience.
- Having an interest in facilitating change to support the achievement and continued improvement of patient and family-centered care.
- Providing constructive feedback from a patient and family perspective.
- Respectfully listening to diverse opinions.
- Adhering to all confidentiality guidelines.
- Reviewing all materials provided prior to the meetings so that you are prepared to ask questions, contribute ideas, and provide input.
- Following our Code of Conduct.
NOTE: All decisions made by the PFAC will be reached through consensus. If consensus is not reached, decisions will be made by a majority vote of all members.
How can I become a Patient and Family Advisory Council Member?
You are eligible to serve as a PFAC member if:
- You are a patient, or have a family member who has MassHealth only, and receives care at a Federally Qualified Health Center.
- Your nomination to serve comes from your provider, any FQHC staff member, or if you nominate yourself!
NOTE: All applicants/nominees should have an interest in health care, be willing to attend quarterly meetings that last two hours, attend a two-hour orientation session, and have a commitment to serve for two years. All PFAC members receive a stipend for each meeting they attend and participate in.
