Rural Health Clinics
Laura MacLafferty, Unit Manager |
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.
- 42 CFR, Part 491 Subpart A, Sections 491.1-.11
- CMS State
Operations Manual
(See Sections 2240-2249) - Guidance to Surveyors - Appendix G
- Survey Report - CMS - 30
Forms
- Applicant Instructions (344K PDF)
- Request for Establishment of
Eligibility – CMS 29
- Health Insurance Benefit Agreement - CMS Form 1561A
- Medicare Administrative Contractor Choice Form
Updated July 17, 2009
