Amends Public Health Service Act for community health center grants

Oct 17, 2022

Summary

Lets community health centers use certain federal grants to buy and run mobile health units to bring care to people who need it most.

What problem does this solve?

Some people have a hard time getting to a doctor's office because they live far away or don't have a car. This law lets health centers use grant money to create mobile clinics that can travel to these people.

What does this law do?

Existing health centers can get grants for mobile units

Allows health centers that already get federal funds to use new grants to set up a mobile clinic, without having to open another permanent building.

New health centers must also open a permanent site

Requires new health centers that want to use grant money for a mobile clinic to also use part of the funds to open a permanent, full-time location.

Who does this affect?

Community health centers
Patients in underserved areas

What is the real world impact?

•

Increases healthcare access for hard-to-reach populations

Makes it easier for people in rural or underserved areas to get medical care by bringing clinics directly to their communities. This helps people who may not have transportation or live far from a doctor's office.

When does this start?

The changes in this law will start on January 1, 2024.