| Community Health Center | Rural Health Clinic |
Must be either a not-for-profit or public facility. |
May be either a for-profit or not-for-profit. |
Governed by a Board of Directors of which at least 51% must be patients of the community health center. |
Not required to have a Board of Directors. |
Must provide care for all ages. |
May be limited to a specific type of primary care practice. (pediatrics, OB/Gyn) |
Must provide primary health care; maternity and pre-natal care; preventive care for infants, children, and adults; some emergency care; and pharmaceutical services. |
No minimum service requirements. |
Required to provide emergency care on a 24 hour basis. |
No requirement for after-hour emergency care. |
Required to serve all residents of their service area with charges on a sliding fee scale based upon ability to pay. |
Required to provide services to low-income patients or to provide sliding fee reductions. |
Required to have an on-going quality assurance program that identifies and takes actions necessary to correct problems. |
No specific requirements for quality assurance plans. |
Must be located in a rural or urban area which is underserved or lacking health professionals. (MUAs and HPSAs). |
May retain status regardless of the designation of their service area. |
Required to be open at least 32 hours per week and provide emergency coverage after normal business hours. |
No minimum hours or emergency coverage requirements. |
Required to submit an annual independent audit as well as regular financial reports. |
Must submit an annual audit but have no specific financial reporting requirements. |
