The Rural Health Clinic (RHC) program was established to increase access to high-quality primary care for individuals living in rural and underserved communities. These facilities operate as public, nonprofit, or for-profit entities and are vital to rural healthcare infrastructure.

Team-Based Care Model

RHCs employ a collaborative care approach for coordinated service delivery.

Physicians

Lead clinical teams and oversee patient care.

Nurse Practitioners

Provide primary care services and patient education.

Physician Assistants

Support care delivery across the clinic.

Certified Nurse Midwives

Maternal and newborn care services.

Required Services

RHCs must deliver these core services so patients can access comprehensive healthcare at a single location:

  • Outpatient Primary Care — Comprehensive primary care for all age groups
  • Preventive Services — Screenings, immunizations, and wellness visits
  • Basic Laboratory Testing — On-site diagnostic capabilities