Rural Health Clinics
Rural health clinics (RHC) are designed to provide quality care for rural
residents by facilitating access to primary care practitioners at a better
reimbursement rate for the providers who choose to practice in a rural setting.
RHCs encourage utilization of mid-level practitioners by providing cost-based
reimbursement for their services. The clinic must be designated by the Department of Health as located in a
rural and medically under-served area and employ a mid-level practitioner for
50% of the time of its operating hours.
There are two types of rural health clinics. The independent rural health
clinic is a freestanding practice that is not part of a hospital, skilled
nursing facility or home health agency. The provider based rural health clinic
is an integral and subordinate part of a hospital, skilled nursing facility or
home health agency.
License/Certification Requirements
This is a federally mandated Medicare and Medicaid certification program
achieved by submission of a completed application, required documentation, and
successful completion of a survey.
In addition, effective March 1, 2004, some rural health clinics may require
licensure as a "health care clinic". Additional information on licensure
as a health care clinic can be obtained from the Agency's Health
Care Clinic Unit.
There are no fees and no renewal applications required for certification.
(Health care clinic licensure fees may apply).
Statute/Rule Authority
Unless required by the "Health Care Clinic Act",
there are no state licensing requirements imposed by the Agency.
Forms
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Updated March 21, 2008
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