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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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Must provide
outpatient primary care.
-
Clinic must
be under the medical direction of a physician who must be on
site at least once every two weeks.
-
Must provide
six basic lab tests on site.
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Must be
clean and handicapped accessible.
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Must have a
current and applicable policy procedures manual.
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Drugs and
samples stored safely.
-
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.
Map of Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers
List of Rural Health Clinics in Oregon
How to Join the RHC E-Group
(scroll to the bottom of the page)
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