- Federal Statute and Regulations
- Medicare Guidance
- Guideline Manuals
- HIPAA
RHC Regulatory and Compliance Resources
sections on this page
Federal Statute and Regulations
RHC Statute
The RHC Statutes page on the National Association of Rural Health Clinics webpage outlines and explains the federal laws governing RHCs, providing essential information on the legislative framework that supports RHC operations and patient care.
RHC Regulation
The RHC Regulations webpage offers and overview of the key regulations affecting RHCs, detailing compliance requirements, operational standards, and guidance for RHCs to ensure adherence to federal regulations.
Medicare Guidance
CMS Rural Health Clinics Center is a dedicated online resource offering current information on policies, billing, and compliance for RHCs. It provides access to guidance on Medicare and Medicaid requirements, educational materials, and resources to support RHCs in delivering high quality care to rural communities.
Guideline Manuals
CMS State Operations Manual
The CMS State Operations Appendix G provides detailed guidelines for RHCs on compliance with Medicare certification requirements. This resource outlines essential standards for staffing, patient care, facility operations, and emergency preparedness, helping RHCs maintain quality and regulatory compliance as Medicare-certified providers.
Medicare Benefit Policy Manual
The Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Chapter 13 focuses on coverage and policy guidelines for RHCs and Federally Qualified Health Centers. This chapter provides detailed information on services covered, reimbursement rates, and beneficiary eligibility requirements.
The Certification Process
The State Operations Manual Chapter 2 outlines the general procedures for provider certification and compliance, including the process for RHC certification, guiding clinics through the initial and ongoing certification steps required to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Emergency Preparedness for All Providers
The State Operations Manual Appendix Z focuses on emergency preparedness requirements for Medicare and Medicaid providers, including RHCs. It provides specific guidelines on creating, testing, and maintaining emergency plans, ensuring clinics are prepared for national disasters and other emergencies.
CMS Intensive Outpatient Program Services
This guidance for RHCs provides information on offering structured outpatient care, particularly for behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment, including guidelines on service.
HIPAA
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) contains the state’s codified laws, while the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) includes regulations developed by state agencies to implement these laws. Together, they provide the legal and regulatory framework for sectors like health care, guiding compliance and operational standards.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
Chapter 70.02 RCW, Medical Records – Health Care Information Access and Disclosure
Chapter 70.03 RCW, Medical Records – Providing Information to Patients
Chapter 50A.25 RCW, Privacy (Title 50A, RCW, Family and Medical Leave)
Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
Chapter 246-08 WAC, Practice and Procedures, Washington State Department of Health
Federal Rules
Available from the U.S. Health and Human Services website is an overview of the HIPAA Privacy Rule and guidance resources to help understand compliance for protecting patient information. The Office of Civil Rights provides an informative summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
Electronic Protected Health Information
This HIPAA Security Rule resource provides details the requirements for electronic protected health information (ePHI), with guidance resources to help with implementation of necessary safeguards.
Data Breach Rules
The HIPAA Breach Notification Rule outlines requirements for notifying individuals and authorities about data breaches involving unsecured protected health information.
Answers to common questions
This HHS page Fast Facts for Covered Entities addresses questions and misconceptions about patient consent, incidental disclosures, child abuse reporting, electronic media, and other disclosures.
Template contract provisions
Get Sample Business Associate Contract Provisions from HHS to help establish HIPAA-compliant agreements with business associates.