The javascript used on this site for creative design effects is not supported by your browser. Please note that this will not affect access to the content on this web site.
Skip Navigation
H H S Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
Primary Care: The Health Center Program

A-Z Index  |  Questions?  |  Order Publications

  • Print this
  • Email this

Health Center Program Look-Alikes

Look-Alike Initial Designation Application Instructions for Calendar Year 2013 

All applications begun in the HRSA EHB on or after February 8, 2013 are required to comply with the application instructions below. Applications started prior to February 8, 2013 will be reviewed under the 2011/2012 guidance.

Look-Alike Initial Designation Application Instructions (PDF – 677 KB)

Program-Specific Forms

All forms are located and completed in HRSA’s  Electronic Handbook (EHB) system.  Below are samples of the forms found in EHB.

What is a Look-Alike?

Health Center Program look-alikes support the health of the Nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations by increasing access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services. Look-alikes are health centers that operate and provide services consistent with all statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements that apply to Health Center Program grantees, but do not receive funding under section 330.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations eligible for look-alike designation include public or nonprofit private entities, including tribal, faith-based, and community-based organizations. Applicants must propose to expand their network of service delivery sites to serve new underserved populations.

Under the Calendar Year 2013 Look-Alike Initial Designation instructions, applicants must propose to establish a new access point that:

  1. Provides comprehensive primary medical care as its primary purpose;
  2. Provides services, either directly onsite or through established arrangements, without regard to ability to pay;
  3. Ensures access to services for all individuals in the service area/population; and
  4. Provides services at one or more permanent service delivery sites. 

Summary of Program Requirements

Look-alikes are expected to demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements of section 330 of the PHS Act, 42 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 51c (Grants for Community Health Centers), and 42 C.F.R. Part 56 (Grants for Migrant Health Services and Migrant Health Centers), as applicable.  Organizations are encouraged to review the section 330 program requirements, in addition to the applicable statutes, regulations, and policies (located in the Resources section of this page) for look-alikes prior to developing an application.

Technical Assistance 

 

     Renewal of Designation and Annual Certification Applications

     Electronic Handbooks (EHB) User Guides

     Annual Certification and Renewal of Designation Technical Assistance Call

 

     Data, Measures, and Mapping

     PAL 2013-04

     PAL 2013-01

     PAL 2011-10

     PAL 2011-08

Performance Measures

 

Contact

For Information about Look-alikes

Office of Policy and Program Development
301-594-4300 
lookalike@hrsa.gov
 

For EHB Application Assistance

BPHC Helpline
877-974-2742
BPHCHelpline@hrsa.gov

Application Help

Additional technical assistance for current and prospective look-alikes is found at your state's Primary Care Association (PCA), Primary Care Office (PCO), or any of HRSA's National Cooperative Agreement organizations.  For a list of contacts, see Partner Links.

Look-Alike Application Resources (PDF – 81 KB) (updated 10/19/2011)

Look-Alike Frequently Asked Questions (PDF – 479 KB)

Health Center Program Requirements

Health Center Policy Information Notices (PINs) and Program Assistance Letters (PALs)

2012 Uniform Data System Reporting Changes for Look-Alikes

Health Center Program Technical Assistance

Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/MUP) Designations

Tips for Writing a Strong Application

UDS Mapper exit icon

Health Center Data