Rural Health Clinics

Receive enhanced reimbursement rates for providing Medicaid and Medicare services in rural areas.

Photo credit: Eric Johansen

About RHC

Rural Health Clinics (RHC) were established by Public Law 95-210, Rural Health Clinic Service Act in 1977. Rural Health Clinics serve to increase primary care access for Medicaid and Medicare patients in rural communities and must be located in a Health Professional Shortage Area or a Medically Underserved Area/Population. Clinics may be operated as a public, private, or non-profit. The advantage of becoming a certified Rural Health Clinic is to receive enhanced reimbursement rates for providing Medicaid and Medicare services in rural areas.

Become a Rural Health Clinic

If you are interested in becoming certified as a Rural Health Clinic, please refer to the Health Facility Licensing, Certification and Resident Assessment. The clinic is required to use a team approach of physicians working with non-physician providers such as nurse practitioners (NP), physician assistants (PA), and certified nurse midwives (CNM) to provide services. The clinic must be staffed at least 50% of the time with an NP, PA, or CNM. RHCs are required to provide outpatient primary care services and basic laboratory services.

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National Association of Rural Health Clinics

The National Association of Rural Health Clinics mission is to educate and advocate for Rural Health Clinics, enhancing their ability to deliver cost-effective, quality health care to patients in rural, underserved communities.

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NOSORH RHC Resources

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Starting a
Rural Health Clinic

Read Manual

Shortage Designations

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Resources for becoming a Rural Health Clinic

The Rural Health Information Hub, formerly the Rural Assistance Center, is funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to be a national clearinghouse on rural health issues.