Purpose and Scope
The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children serves as a vital advisory resource, supporting the organization’s mission and commitment to patient- and family-centered care. The PFAC provides strategic guidance on:
- Enhancing patient and family experiences
- Improving quality of care and safety
- Supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of new initiatives
- Advocating for diverse community needs
The council reflects the geographic, cultural, and linguistic diversity of the children and families served by St. Mary’s.
Reporting Structure
PFAC reports directly to the President/CEO and the Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer.
PFAC Roles and Responsibilities:
Patient and Family Advisors
- Serve a voluntary two-year term, renewable once
- Must be adult patients (current or former), or caregivers of children/young adults with medical complexity
- Represent diverse family perspectives and advocate for inclusive care practices
Staff Liaison
- Ongoing member responsible for monitoring PFAC goals and communicating with senior leadership
Staff Representatives
- Collaborate with advisors to achieve annual goals
- Support recruitment, education, and quality improvement efforts
Subcommittees
- Formed to address specific PFAC and organizational objectives
Interdisciplinary & Ad Hoc Members
- Staff and external champions who participate as needed or invited
Council Structure
- Up to 15 members, with 60% patient/family advisors and 40% staff representatives
- Voting rights granted to non-staff members; quorum requires 51%
- Two co-chairs (two-year terms, renewable once); one must have lived experience caring for a medically complex child
Council Meetings
- Held bimonthly, in-person and via Zoom
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Minimum participation: 4 meetings per year
- Meeting logistics managed by staff liaison, including agenda distribution and translation services
Meeting Format
- Introductions and agenda review
- Led by co-chairs
- Includes a note taker and timekeeper
- Open discussion and feedback encouraged
Advisor Support and Development
PFAC provides ongoing mentorship and training for patient and family advisors, including:
- Meeting debriefs and one-on-one follow-ups
- Education and skill-building sessions
- Clear ground rules and expectations
- Conflict resolution support
Confidentiality and Ethics
PFAC members must sign a confidentiality agreement and disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to external organizations or vendors.
Feedback and Reporting
- Bimonthly reports compiled by co-chairs and staff liaison
- Quality indicators monitored and reported by designated staff
- Reports submitted to executive leadership for review and action