If you are a RHC ineligible for a HPSA score, you can apply for an automatic HPSA. This is a different designation than a HPSA under a geographic or low-income designation. For more information and to apply, visit http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/hpsas/ruralhealthhpsa.html. There are certain requirements that your clinic must meet to be eligible for this score which include a Sliding Fee Scale in accordance with the Federal Poverty Guidelines. With a HPSA score, your RHC certification is secure and you may be eligible to be an approved site for the National and Colorado Health Service Corps loan repayment programs.
To find out what your HPSA score is, visit http://hpsafind.hrsa.gov/ or contact Sara Leahy at 303-565-5848/sl@coruralhealth.org.
