Rural Health Clinics

• Oregon's Rural Health Clinics
  A listing of all rural health clinics in Oregon with contact information.
• A map of RHCs in Oregon (updated 03/27/08).

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. Clinic is Designated 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)

Still have questions about the requirements to be a Rural Health Clinic? Take a look at some additional Rural Health Clinic Information prepared by the Oregon Office of Rural Health and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The new Governors designation qualifies new locations for Rural Health Clinic Status. Learn more and view a map about area qualifications.

If you are interested in RHC status you should contact:

1. The office of Health Systems Planning to determine if your location meets the 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 Oregon Office of Rural Health for further assistance.