Created to review criteria for the designation of Medically Underserved Areas and Health Professional Shortage Areas, the Committee comprises 28 members who are key stakeholders representing the programs most affected the designations, including health centers, rural health clinics and other rural providers, special populations with unique health care needs, and technical experts in health care access and statistical methods.

The Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designation is one factor used to determine eligibility for a number of programs that improve access to health care, such as the National Health Service Corps, Exchange Visitor Program and Conrad State 30 Program. Medicare also makes bonus payments to primary medical care physicians and psychiatrists working in designated HPSAs. 

The Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/MUP) designation is used as a basis for awarding grants to Community Health Centers.  

A variety of other federal and state programs also use these designations to target resources to areas of need.

Persons using assistive technology may not be able to fully access information in these files. For assistance, contact comments@hrsa.gov or 888-275-4772 (TTY: 877-489-4772).