The application process for school-based health centers in Maryland is carried out jointly by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Medical Assistance Program (DHMH). A School-Based Health Center (SBHC)is a health center, located in a school or on a school campus, that provides onsite preventive and primary health services. Services may also include mental health, oral health, ancillary, and other supportive services. The Maryland SBHC Policy Advisory Council adopted standards for the operation of SBHCs in April 2006, available on the Maryland State Department of Education’s website at These standards are currently advisory, and may be promulgated into state regulations at a future date.

Should my programapply forstate recognition as a SBHC?

YES, if your program:

  • Meets or is working to meet the Maryland School-Based Health Center Standards;
  • Intends to bill insurance carriers for SBHC services(Medical Assistance or private insurers);
  • Wishes to be recognized as a licensed health care provider; and
  • Seeks to participate in the statewide network of SBHCs for professional development and assistance;
  • Seeks to be eligible for Maryland State grant funding.

What are the steps in the SBHC State Application Process?

I.Fill out an MSDE SBHC StateApplication and submit to the address on the Cover Sheet.

1.Download SBHC state application form at:

OR call MSDE at 410-767-0353for an application.

2.Components of the MSDE SBHC State Application:

  1. MSDE SBHC State Application Cover Sheet
  2. Chart A: Projected SBHC Services
  3. Chart B1:Self-Assessment in Relationship to 2006 SBHC Standards

Chart B 2:Initial Checklist for the Delivery of Telehealth Services in School-Based Health Centers (telehealth centers only-both B1 and B2 required for telehealth centers)

  1. Chart C1: Clinical Quality Improvement (CQI) Objective 2017
  2. Chart C2: Clinical Quality Improvement (CQI) Objective 2018
  3. NEW SBHC applications must include your completed needs assessment documenting the need for the SBHC
  4. MSDE grant funding-Grant Budget Form C-1-25with Grant Budget Narrative, Grant Assurances
  5. MSDE grant funding-Memorandum of Understanding between school system and SBHC medical sponsoring organization

3.Questions? Call MSDE’s SBHC Specialist at 410-767-0353.

II.Fill out a Medical Assistance Provider Application.

  1. Following MSDE approval, review the SBHC manual and complete the Medical Assistance provider application. The manual and application forms are located here:

dhmh.maryland.gov/providerinfo

2. Download the provider application form for your provider type. File a separate application for each MSDE approved location. To operate as a SBHC, you must complete one of the following three provider application forms:

a. CLINIC, FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER – Provider Type Code 34

b. CLINIC, LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT – Provider Type Code 35

c. CLINIC, GENERAL – Provider Type Code 38

Provider types other than 34, 35, and 38 are ineligible to enroll with Medicaid as an SBHC.

4.Attach the MSDE Approval Letter to the Medical Assistance Provider Application.