Eligibility

The NHSC can help you recruit and retain qualified providers who care about communities in need and choose to work where they are needed most. Before applying to become an NHSC-approved site, make sure that your facility qualifies.

• Facilities must be an approved site type. View eligible site types.
• Eligible sites must be located in a Federally-designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). To determine if your facility is located in a HPSA:
  
  
  • Contact your local State Primary Care Office (PCO)
  • Search by Site Address
  • Search by State and County

Once you have determined that your facility is eligible and located in a Federally-designated HPSA, the following additional requirements must be met:

• Provides primary care medical, dental, or mental and behavioral health services
• Ensures access to ancillary, inpatient, and specialty referrals
• Provides services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay
• Accepts patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  A six-month billing summary is required before a site can apply; Private Practices (Solo/Group) must submit a 12-month summary.
• Does not discriminate in the provision of services
• Uses a provider credentialing process when hiring
• Agrees not to reduce a provider’s salary due to NHSC support and provides a supportive environment
• Provides sound fiscal management
• Provide services on a free or reduced fee schedule basis to individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

View the National Health Service Corps Site Reference Guide (PDF - 536 KB) for complete information on eligibility and applying to the NHSC.