FTCA-Deemed Health Centers
Find Health Center Program recipients that have been deemed as Public Health Service (PHS) employees.
Find Health Center Program recipients that have been deemed as Public Health Service (PHS) employees.
On this page:
The application process and guidance for submitting deeming applications for Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) medical malpractice coverage is detailed within Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2024-03 (PDF - 812 KB).
Health centers may submit an initial deeming application via the electronic, web-based EHB system at any time during the year when the system is open to accept applications. However, we strongly suggest that grantees request initial FTCA coverage well in advance of their desired coverage start date.
After reviewing the FTCA PAL, grantees submitting an initial deeming application should consult with the FTCA Program if they have any additional questions. Coverage for initial applicants will begin on the date their application is approved.
All currently deemed grantees must submit a FTCA redeeming application and submit redeeming applications for any sub-recipients (as applicable) on or before June 24, 2024, in order to be eligible to be deemed for the entirety of CY 2025 without a gap in coverage.
Grantees are responsible for ensuring that the information needed to complete their redeeming application has been successfully submitted to HRSA through the EHB. If additional information or clarification is needed to support an application, HRSA may notify the grantee through the EHB. The grantee will be given 10 business days from the date of such EHB notification to resubmit the application with the requested information. It is important that grantees provide a timely response to all requests for information in order to assure a timely review and notification. Grantees that do not provide a responsive submission within 10 business days after receiving notice may have their application determined incomplete and voided. If the application is voided, the grantee will receive notification and will be required to resubmit its redeeming application if it wishes to obtain deemed status.
HRSA periodically will update this section to include presentations and resources that will focus on the application preparation, submission, and deeming process.
BPHC has adopted a Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act (FSHCAA) Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Deemed Status Badge. The badge recognizes health centers that HRSA has deemed as Public Health Service employees under the Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act (FSHCAA). To reference usage guidelines, view the FSHCAA FTCA Deemed Status Badge page.
Sponsoring health centers can submit applications for calendar year (CY) 2025 coverage by visiting the FTCA VHP website and the VHP PAL (PDF - 264 KB). Deemed health centers that have been approved by HRSA to submit a streamlined VHP application in certain emergencies can refer to the VHP Emergency Deeming PAL (PDF - 244 KB).
Free clinics that apply for the first time to the FTCA Free Clinic Program will be required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and be registered within the System for Award Management (SAM), to create an account and submit an initial application via the Electronic Handbook (EHB). For more information about the new initial application process, please see the current PAL (PDF - 378 KB).
Free clinics that currently sponsor deemed individuals must reapply on an annual basis for continued FTCA coverage. The annual redeeming application form should be submitted using HRSA’s web based Electronic Handbook (EHB) system. For more information, see the current PAL (PDF - 378 KB).
During the course of the year, sponsoring free clinics may wish to add additional eligible individuals for deemed status. In order to supplement the free clinic’s list of covered individuals, a supplemental application must be completed and submitted. The supplemental application must be submitted using HRSA’s web based Electronic Handbook (EHB) system.
As a part of continued efforts to streamline and automate data reporting processes, the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) has developed a Free Clinic FTCA deeming module within the HRSA EHB. View the EHB web based application.
All Initial, Redeeming, and Supplemental applications require an attachment explaining any and all disciplinary actions and medical malpractice claims alleged against the eligible individuals the free clinic is sponsoring for deeming. This information is required for the past ten (10) years for new applicants and five (5) years for renewal applicants. Please do not attach a report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). These reports do not describe the actions taken by the sponsoring free clinic or the applicant in response to the claims.
For assistance, please use the BPHC Contact Form or call 877-464-4772, Option 1. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday (except federal holidays).