Free clinics can be essential to people who can't afford insurance.
For many Americans, particularly those without access to adequate health insurance, free clinics can serve several important purposes. Clinics may be the only source of health care in rural areas, may serve populations in impoverished areas and may offer inexpensive alternatives to families without insurance coverage or those with minimal coverage. Free clinics may also help prevent the spread of disease by serving high risk populations. Understanding the steps needed to get started can help you plan appropriately.
Instructions
1. Figure out where you want the free clinic to be located, as this can have an impact on the types of federal and state programs available for funding and other resources. For example, the Rural Health Clinic Services Act, a federal program designed to increase health care services in rural areas, offers funding and assistance to clinics that meet the act's location requirements. Look for funding programs for economically depressed urban areas, and high risk populations as well, as these will be likely sources of funding for your free clinic.
2. Study your state's requirements for opening a free clinic, as the licensing and building requirements will vary widely from state to state. Some requirements may include architectural and building code specifications for buildings used for the clinic, requirements for assessment of potential hires at the clinic or rules on requirements for accepting Medicaid or Medicare payments. Make sure you understand the requirements to avoid disqualification for both licensing and funding.
3. Apply for a state license to open and operate a health care facility. Be prepared to pay licensing fees to the state. For the safety of your clients and the prevention of legal liability for the clinic, make sure you are fully compliant with state laws regarding background checks for potential employees. Print copies of health inspection notices, licensing notices and other legally required postings according to your state's laws, generally in full view of clients.
4. Search for alternative sources of funding for the free clinic. Keep in mind that donations don't necessarily need to be monetary. Look for benefactors and organizations willing to donate medical equipment, medications and office supplies to your clinic. Look online for national organizations dedicated to health care for the uninsured. Use their resources to find local organizations willing to offer assistance in locating donations of essential supplies.
Tags: health care, free clinic, Free clinics, high risk, high risk populations, organizations willing
