State Office of Rural Health

“Starting a Rural Health Clinic”- A How-To Manual

“Purpose of Rural Health Clinics (RHC): To improve access to primary health care in rural, underserved communities; and, to promote a collaborative model of health care delivery using physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Federally certified RHCs are primary care practices that use a particular practice model and are reimbursed in a special way by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and state Medicaid programs.

CMS uses state surveys and licensure agencies to review and recommend designation of private or nonprofit clinics meeting conditions for participation and certification as RHCs. RHCs are important safety net providers since the populations for whom they receive enhanced reimbursements are Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries.” (NOSORH)

Are you rural?

• HRSA Health Professional Shortage Area Designation
• Rural Health Defined
• View the HRSA County Designations Map

RHC Policies and Procedures

• HSA – Advisory Council Agenda
• HSA – Conducting the Annual Advisory Committee Meeting
• HSA – Policies and Procedures
• HSA – RHC Compliance and Regulations
• RHC – Items Checklist
• Evaluation of Clinic Medical Records
• Chart Review Template
• RHC – Table of Contents

Additional Resources:

• NARHC RHC Federal Statute, Regulation, and Guidance
• CMS Rural Health Clinics Center
• CMS Medicare Benefit Policy Manual
• Webinar: Understanding How to Conduct Rural Health Clinic Practice Assessments

For more information contact the VDH Office of Licensure and Certification at (804) 367-2102 or olc-inquiries@vdh.virginia.gov. 

If you have any additional questions or concerns contact the VA-SORH.