Patient and Family Advisory Council

Patient And Family Advisory Council (PFAC) Member The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) Member serves as a volunteer advisor to Summit Pacific Medical Center by representing the perspectives of patients, families, caregivers, and the community. PFAC members partner with healthcare leaders and staff to strengthen patient- and family-centered care through collaboration, thoughtful feedback, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. PFAC members provide valuable insight that helps improve the patient experience, enhance quality and safety, and ensure healthcare services reflect the needs and expectations of the communities Summit Pacific Medical Center serves. As outlined in the PFAC Charter, the Council functions in an advisory capacity and provides recommendations to leadership but does not make operational or clinical decisions. Mission: To strengthen the relationship between patients, families, and Summit Pacific Medical Center by ensuring the voices of those we serve are thoughtfully considered in the decision-making processes that affect care delivery, patient experience, and healthcare outcomes. Vision: To enhance the patient experience for every patient receiving care at Summit Pacific Medical Center through meaningful partnerships between patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Primary Responsibilities: • Serve as ambassadors for patient- and family-centered care. • Share experiences and perspectives in a respectful, constructive, and solution-focused manner. • Represent the needs and viewpoints of patients, families, caregivers, and the community, not solely personal experiences. • Provide feedback on: • Patient education materials • Policies and procedures • Communication practices • Facility design and environment • Patient experience initiatives • Quality and safety improvement efforts • Participate in discussions regarding organizational initiatives that impact patient care and experience. • Assist in identifying opportunities to improve healthcare delivery across Summit Pacific Medical Center. • Review patient-facing materials to ensure they are understandable, inclusive, and patient-centered. • Participate in special projects, focus groups, committees, or improvement teams as requested. • Promote a culture of partnership, compassion, respect, and continuous improvement. Member Qualifications: • Be a current or former patient, family member, caregiver, or community member who has received services at Summit Pacific Medical Center within the last two years. • Have an interest in improving healthcare and patient experience. • Demonstrate the ability to communicate respectfully and professionally. • Be willing to consider diverse perspectives and collaborate with others. • Maintain a positive, solution-oriented attitude. • Respect differing opinions while contributing meaningful feedback. • Be dependable and committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of Council membership. Meeting Commitment: • Attend monthly meetings typically held on the second Tuesday of each month. • Meetings are held from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the Rainer Conference Room at Summit Pacific Wellness Center. • Attend at least 80% of scheduled meetings in a rolling 12 months; and in person attendance must be in person (subject to unusual circumstances approved solely at the discretion of the PFAC Chair). Participate in person unless alternative arrangements are approved by the PFAC Chair due to unusual circumstances. • Review meeting materials in advance when provided. • Actively participate in discussion and decision support activities. Member Expectations: • Complete all required onboarding requirements before participating as a Council member. • Arrive prepared and actively engage in discussions. • Communicate respectfully with fellow members and Summit Pacific caregivers. • Focus discussions on organizational improvement rather than individual concerns. • Support a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment. • Notify the PFAC Chair if you are unable to attend a scheduled meeting. • Maintain professionalism while representing Summit Pacific Medical Center and the PFAC. Confidentiality: • Maintain confidentiality of all discussions and materials shared during PFAC meetings. • Comply with all Summit Pacific Medical Center confidentiality policies and HIPAA requirements. • Complete all required confidentiality and onboarding training prior to participation. • Refrain from discussing confidential Council matters outside of PFAC meetings unless authorized. Scope of the Council: • PFAC Members understand that: • The PFAC serves in an advisory role. • The Council provides recommendations and feedback to leadership but does not have decision-making authority. • PFAC meetings are not intended for resolving personal grievances or complaints. • Individual concerns regarding care should be addressed through Summit Pacific Medical Center's established Patient Experience or grievance processes. Term of Service: • Members serve a two-year term. • Terms may be renewed through mutual agreement between the member and the PFAC Chair. • Members may resign by providing 30 days' written notice to the PFAC Chair. • Summit Pacific Medical Center reserves the right to remove a member whose participation, attendance, or conduct no longer meets Council expectations or when deemed appropriate by the PFAC Chair. Benefits of Serving: • Influence improvements in healthcare quality, safety, and patient experience. • Partner directly with Summit Pacific Medical Center leadership. • Help shape policies, programs, and patient-centered initiatives. • Advocate for patients and families throughout the organization. • Build relationships with healthcare professionals committed to continuous improvement. • Make a meaningful and lasting impact on the care provided to your community. Our Commitment: Summit Pacific Medical Center values the lived experiences and perspectives of our patients and families. By partnering together through the Patient and Family Advisory Council, we are committed to creating a healthcare environment that is compassionate, respectful, safe, and centered on the needs of those we serve.