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 What is a Certified Rural Health Clinic?

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) were established by Public Law 95-210, the Rural Health Clinic Service Act, in 1977. The purpose of RHCs is to increase primary care services for Medicaid and Medicare patients in rural communities. RHCs ownership/governance structure can operate as public, private, or non-profit. The main requirements to obtain RHC status include:

  1. Clinic is NOT located in an "Urbanized Area" as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau and by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), or Medically Underserved Area (MUA), generally determined by information from the State Health Department.
     
  2. The clinic must employ a mid-level practitioner at least 50% of the time the RHC operates. Examples include a physician assistant, certified nurse mid-wife, or nurse practitioner.
     
  3. Must provide outpatient primary care.
     
  4. Clinic must be under the medical direction of a physician who must be on site at least once every two weeks.
     
  5. Must provide six basic lab tests on site.
     
  6. Must be clean and handicapped accessible.
     
  7. Must have a current and applicable policy procedures manual.
     
  8. Drugs and samples stored safely.
     
  9. Adequate medical records must be maintained for six years.

The main advantage of attaining RHC status is to receive enhanced reimbursement rates for providing Medicaid and Medicare services in rural areas. The disadvantage can sometimes be the delay of obtaining funding, a lack of understanding of the RHC program by fiscal intermediaries, States, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

If you are interested in RHC status you should contact:
1) The State Health Division- 503-731-4002, ext. 885 to determine if the location meets RHC qualifications.
2) For Rural Health Clinic forms, contact John Pilmer, Client Care Compliance Specialist at the Health Care Licensure and Certification Department, 503-731-4013.
3) If your location has been approved contact the Office of Rural Health for further assistance.