Publication Date: August 1st, 2002
Publication Type(s): Working Paper
Topic(s): Legislation and Regulation, Quality, Rural Health Clinics
Author(s): Knott, A., Travers, K.
The goal of the Rural Health Clinic (RHC) program is increased access to health care in underserved rural areas. At the same time, the RHC program encourages the use of mid-level providers, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives. Clinics have to meet two basic requirements to participate in the RHC program, they have to be located in a nonurbanized area as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau and the area has to be a designated shortage area. In 2000, 3,484 clinics participated in the RHC program. Most are small clinics with less than two provider FTEs, slightly more than half are independent and the rest are provider-based and owned by hospitals, nursing homes or other entities.