The School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) in Maine provide primary health care and mental health services to students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. These centers are located on school grounds, where students have easy access, and are staffed by licensed medical providers. They may be operated by the school or by community health agencies. Some SBHCs may include primary care providers from the community as staff, and some SBHCs may also play the role of “primary care provider of last resort.” All SBHCs play a critical role as a partner with community providers to optimize health outcomes for students by monitoring their health and enhancing their access to needed care.

The SBHC standards have been developed by the Bureau of Health, the State agency that administers grants to the SBHCs, and representatives and advocates for the SBHCs throughout the State. They are intended to provide guidance for the SBHCs and entities working with the SBHCs and outline expectations for quality operations and provision of services. The intent of these standards is not to supersede Maine Law, but to give the SBHCs additional guidance. Requirements that are specified by law and regulation are emphasized by the use of the word “must.” Standards that are not specified by law but are considered important for program success use the word “should.”

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