Clinic awaiting HRSA notice of award; incoming physician has license number but activation delayed

On Feb. 18, 2025, clinic staff told the Skagway Municipality clinic committee that the health center had drawn down funds for current grants but had not yet received a renewal notice of award from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Al, the clinic director, said the clinic remains within the normal window for receiving a notice of award but that the renewal had not yet been issued. "We are still within the normally acceptable period of time," Al said. He added that he had contacted Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who "put in a question to HRSA" and that the senators office typically expects a reply within about three days.

Al explained the operational significance: as a federally qualified health center (FQHC) funded under Section 330, the clinics federal grant notice provides, in their view, legal authority to provide care and to receive FTCA malpractice coverage tied to that grant. "If our grant expires, our legal ability to provide health care expires," Al said, describing the grant notice as central to licensure and malpractice coverage for the clinic.

The clinic also has communicated with its HRSA project officer, Kathleen Ruck, and submitted a work ticket in the HRSA system. Al said staff expected a reply before the end of the grant cycle and that the senators inquiry may accelerate the response.

On provider staffing, Al said Dr. Ballard has been issued a license number by the state professional licensing board but the license has not yet been activated. "She has a license number, which means she's official in the state, but it hasn't been activated," Al said. He added that the clinic would not put Dr. Ballard on payroll to see patients until her license is activated and she is enrolled in insurance panels; that may delay her start date.

Al said he will bring an update to the full board meeting, including any response from HRSA or the senators office.