School-Based Health Center (SBHC) 

1. An SBHC is an evidence-based model of healthcare delivery where a center is established and operated within a school or on its campus. SBHCs prioritize serving students in the school or district where they are located, but may also extend services to other populations, including students’ families, school personnel, and community members.

2. An SBHC provides comprehensive primary care services to students and may offer additional services or collaborate with other providers based on assessed community needs. These services may include, but are not limited to, behavioral health, vision, and oral health services. Care provided by an SBHC is designed to be responsive to the community and to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of the populations served.

3. An SBHC focuses on increasing access to high-quality healthcare services to improve health and educational outcomes and reduce disparities. SBHCs align healthcare and education systems to support a student’s success both inside and outside of school. The care provided by an SBHC complements and supports, but does not replace or duplicate, existing health services offered by the school.

4. SBHCs are created through a collaborative partnership between the community, the school, and an entity that operates and administers the SBHC (referred to as the “operator”). Students and families are central to this partnership.

The SBHC operator can be a:

(A) federally qualified health center or a look-alike

(B) hospital;

(C) public health department;

(D) nonprofit health or human services agency; or

(E) any other qualified entity capable of operating healthcare services.

The SBHC operator and the partnering school district enter into a legally binding agreement regarding the administration and operation of the SBHC.

5. An SBHC provides onsite services and: - Operates, at a minimum, during the academic day when school is in session - Functions with regular frequency to ensure continuous and appropriate care - Coordinates care, including a systematic follow-up and referral process for patients - Establishes a method for the exchange of health information between the SBHC and a patient’s primary care provider, if applicable, as well as other existing providers - Communicates with appropriate school personnel to ensure integrated care - Creates a system to connect patients to care outside of SBHC operating hours

6. An SBHC operates in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those related to licensure and certification, information sharing, and consent for treatment.​

School-Linked Healthcare Models

·  School-linked healthcare models provide medical, mental health, and dental services to students by partnering schools with community health providers. These collaborations often help bridge gaps in access, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Key approaches include:

·   Mobile Health Units:

Vehicles equipped to deliver clinical services that regularly visit school sites are particularly useful for expanding access in rural regions.

·   Telehealth Services:

 Digital, remote, or virtual connections that enable students in school settings to consult with off-site providers, often allowing access to specialists, particularly in behavioral health.

·   Comprehensive Services:

These models offer a wide range of services, including primary care, preventive care (such as immunizations), chronic illness management (like asthma and diabetes), mental health counseling, and dental care.

·   Improved Access:

By reducing barriers like transportation issues, the need for parents to take time off work, and missed appointments, these models significantly enhance access to healthcare.

·   Behavioral Focus:

Many school-linked models emphasize on-site mental health services to better support student well-being.

·   Collaboration:

These healthcare services are integrated into the school system, fostering better communication among health providers, teachers, and school nurses.

·       Funding and Partnerships:

Schools typically collaborate with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), local health departments, and hospitals to implement these healthcare services effectively.