Paterson Community Health Center (PCHC) is a federally qualified health center covered under the Public Health Service (PHS) Act. That means that for purposes of claims of medical negligence, by law, PCHC, its employees, and eligible contractors are considered federal employees and are immune from lawsuits. A patient who alleges acts of medical malpractice against PCHC, its employees or eligible contractors cannot sue the health center or the provider(s) directly, but instead must file any claim against the United States Government. The Federal government assumes responsibility for costs related to any such claim resulting from the performance of a health services. There is no cost to a participating health center or its providers. These claims are reviewed and/or litigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the General Counsel and the Department of Justice according to FTCA requirements.