Rural Health Center (RHC)

Section 1861(aa)(2) of the Social Security Act states that a rural health clinic must be located in an area that is not urbanized and that has been designated as a shortage area. Rural Health Centers must employ mid-level practitioners such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and physician assistants. It must provide tech same services that are required of a community health center. In addition, if a Rural Health Center serves as HPSA or MUA/MUP, it is eligible to receive enhanced Medicaid (except under a wavered program like QUEST) and Medicare payments for services. Rural Health Centers in Hawaii may be found here.

Sources: Public Health Service, HHS, 42 CFR Part 5 as of January 18, 1996; Bureau of Primary Health Care, Guidelines for MUA/MUP Designation, June 12, 1995; Richard C. Lee, Current Approaches to Shortage Area Designation, The Journal of Rural Health, Vol. 7 (4) Supp. 1991; Beth Giesting, Outline of Federal Designations for Areas, Populations, and Providers, (part of memo to Representative Kahikina, dated January 23, 1996, Honolulu); National Association of Country Health Officials, National Health Service Corps; Applying for Corps Personnel, January 17, 1992.

Hawaii Primary Care Office

1250 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: (808) 586-4188
Fax: (808) 586-4193