Become a Health Center

Become A Federally Qualified Health Center

Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer high-quality, comprehensive health care services to their patients. The FQHCs meet specific federal requirements, such as having a community-based board of directors in which 51% of the board members are patients of the health center; implementing a sliding fee scale so that health care is offered regardless of a person’s ability to pay or insurance status; being located in a medically underserved area so that services are convenient to people who may experience barriers such as transportation; and offering comprehensive services including dental and behavioral health care. Additional information can be found on the Bureau of Primary Health Care's website.

Another great way to learn more about Community Health Centers is by watching videos from the Health Center Advocacy Network.

For more details on becoming a federally qualified health center, please contact Libby Thurman at libby.thurman@tnpca.org or (615) 425-5841.

Become A Rural Health Clinic

The Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) program is intended to increase primary care services for Medicaid and Medicare patients in rural communities. Information for becoming a rural health clinic can be found on the Rural Assistance Center website, as well as through the Tennessee Department of Health Office of Rural Health.

For more details on becoming a rural health clinic, please contact the Tennessee Department of Health at (615) 741-0380 or by mail at 710 James Robertson Parkway, Andrew Johnson Tower, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243.