Healthcare Data GlossaryRegulatory
HRSA: Definition and Healthcare Context
Full name: Health Resources and Services Administration
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is a federal agency within HHS that improves health care access to people who are geographically isolated or economically or medically vulnerable. HRSA programs include the Health Center Program (FQHCs), the National Health Service Corps, and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. HRSA also designates Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) and publishes the Uniform Data System (UDS) — an annual dataset of FQHC performance and patient demographics.
Last updated: 2026-05-31Reviewed by: Dr. Jennifer Montecillo, MD — Gullas College of Medicine, 2019. Non-practicing medical reviewer.
How it’s used
- HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA): HRSA's HPSA designation data is used by Fonteum to overlay shortage-area context on provider geographic distribution maps.
- HRSA Uniform Data System (UDS): HRSA UDS data covers approximately 9,000 FQHC sites with patient demographics, clinical quality indicators, and staffing data.
Frequently asked questions
- What is HRSA?
- HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) is an HHS agency focused on improving health care access for underserved populations through programs, grants, and shortage-area designations.
- What programs does HRSA run?
- HRSA operates the Health Center Program (FQHCs), National Health Service Corps, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and the HPSA/MUA shortage-area designation programs.
- Does HRSA publish public data?
- Yes. HRSA publishes HPSA data, UDS data, and other datasets through data.hrsa.gov.