How do I determine if my site is eligible?
Your site is eligible to become an auto-approved NHSC site if it is one of these site types:
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- Community Health Center
- Migrant Health
- Homeless Program
- Public Housing Program
- School-Based Program
- Mobile Clinic
- FQHC Look-Alikes
- American Indian Health Facilities: Indian Health Service Facilities, Tribally Operated 638 Health Programs, and Urban Indian Health Programs (ITUs)
- Correctional or Detention Facilities
How do I become an auto-approved NHSC site?
Eligible auto-approved NHSC sites must apply to the NHSC by taking the following steps:
- Log into the BHW Customer Service Portal.
- If the site is already listed under My Sites, select the site name and then select Start a NHSC Site App.
- If the site is not already listed under My Sites, select Create New Site in the left sidebar. After you create the site, select Start a NHSC Site App.
- Complete the application. Under the Confirm Site Details section, FQHCs/LALs must include their BHCMIS IDs, and ITU sites must include their ASUFAC numbers. Auto-approved sites are exempt from uploading documentation into their NHSC applications. However, they must submit documentation during site visits or upon request.
- Review and sign the NHSC Site Agreement.
- Submit the application.
Sites must meet all applicable requirements listed in the NHSC Site Agreement (PDF - 291 KB) and the NHSC Site Reference Guide (PDF - 970 KB) to be NHSC-approved. For requirements that are not applicable to auto-approved NHSC sites, see the "Summary of Exemptions by Site Type" section in the NHSC Site Reference Guide.
Eligible auto-approved NHSC sites may submit an application to the NHSC at any point in the year and are not required to submit an application during the NHSC Site Application cycles, nor are they required to submit a Recertification Application every three years.
What about organizations with multiple sites?
If your organization has multiple eligible auto-approved NHSC sites, the NHSC must approve each site individually. NHSC auto-approval is not guaranteed, and sites seeking auto-approval must submit an NHSC Site Application.
How long does it take you to process my application?
After you submit your application, we typically review it within three to six weeks.
How will I find out if you approved my site?
We notify you through the BHW Customer Service Portal.
Eligible auto-approved NHSC sites may submit an application to the NHSC at any point in the year and are not required to submit an application during the NHSC Site Application cycles, nor are they required to submit a Recertification Application every three years.
How do I maintain my status as an auto-approved NHSC site?
After an auto-approved site is NHSC active, its status does not expire. However, you can lose your active status if your site:
- No longer resides in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or loses its facility HPSA.
- No longer meets all NHSC requirements.
- Is found to be noncompliant with NHSC program requirements.
- No longer meets eligibility requirements for auto-approval status. For example, it loses its Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) grant.
Why does NHSC perform site visits?
NHSC site visits enable us to:
- Identify at-risk sites.
- Address technical assistance needs and increase NHSC program compliance.
- Improve understanding of NHSC clinical service requirements.
- Share NHSC recruitment and retention resources.
- Meet with NHSC clinicians to assess any technical assistance needs and receive feedback about the NHSC program.
Who performs site visits?
The Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW)’s Division of Regional Operations (DRO) conducts site visits in coordination with the state or territorial primary care office (PCO).
When should I expect a visit to my site?
You should expect periodic site visits while participating in the NHSC program. We do this to make sure you continue to meet NHSC site requirements.