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Apply to Become an NHSC Site

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Be ready for the next cycle

  • Review the Site Reference Guide (PDF - 991 KB). It details everything we expect of NHSC-approved sites.
  • Sites providing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment should pay close attention to the Site Opt-In Instructions (PDF - 991 KB).
  • Sites providing behavioral health services will need to review the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Services Checklist (PDF - 542 KB), which contains updated requirements for behavioral health providers and sites. Impacts all current and prospective NHSC sites that provide behavioral health services.

Eligible healthcare facilities can apply to become National Health Service Corps (NHSC)-approved sites. NHSC-approved sites provide outpatient, primary health care services to people in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) Sites must contact their State Primary Care Office (PCO) when applying for, or inquiring about, a HPSA designation.

We require behavioral and mental health providers to practice in a community-based setting that provides access to comprehensive mental and behavioral health services. Sites that do not offer all required services must demonstrate referral agreements with facilities that provides these services.

Application Cycles | Before You Apply | Application Sections | Application Edits | After You Apply

What are the benefits of becoming an NHSC site?

As an NHSC-approved site, we can assist you in your efforts to recruit, hire, and retain clinicians.

When do site application cycles open?

We open a new site application cycle every year. The new site application cycle is for sites that:

  • have never been approved for NHSC, including sites that have applied and had their application denied or cancelled
  • are currently inactive for NHSC due to expiration or past compliance issues

How long is the application cycle?

In a typical cycle, you have six to eight weeks to submit your site application.

What should I do before I apply?

What are the sections of the application?

The NHSC Site Application contains eleven sections. Contact your state primary care office (state PCO) if you have questions.

Note: If your organization has multiple sites located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), you must submit a separate application for each location. We review/approve each site individually.

Can I make edits to my application?

You can make edits before you submit your application. In fact, we encourage you to review your application before you submit it to us. In doing so, you can make edits, upload new documents, or even cancel your application.

What edits can I make after the application cycle closes?

If NHSC staff need additional information, they may return the Site Application to the Site POCs for revision and resubmission. The Site Application must be submitted again to continue the review process.

What happens after I apply?

After you submit your application, your state’s primary care office (PCO) and BHW’s Division of Regional Operations (DRO) will review and evaluate it.

DRO makes the final decision on whether to approve your NHSC Site Application.

How long does it take you to process my application?

Once you submit your application, we typically process it within six to eight weeks.

Note: It may take longer due to application volume, pre-approval site visit requirements, and the quality of the information you submitted.

How do you determine whether to approve my site?

NHSC approval of a site is based on a site’s ability to meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the NHSC Site Reference Guide (PDF - 991 KB) and NHSC Site Agreement (PDF - 291 KB) , as evaluated by the state PCO and DRO. An application may be disapproved if it does not meet NHSC site eligibility requirements, or is incomplete or contains illegible documents.

How will I find out if you approved my site?

We notify you through the BHW Customer Service Portal.

We will also send you information on how to post job positions on the Health Workforce Connector.

Does the approval period expire?

Yes, with the exception of eligible auto-approved NHSC sites.

If we approve your application, it is valid for three years.

However, your site must remain in a HPSA and continue to meet the NHSC eligibility requirements and qualification factors throughout the approval period.

Related Resources

COVID-19

Site Guidance

HPSAs

Support Network

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