The following required services can be provided directly or through a written contractual arrangement.

It is required that FQHCs provide all patients a "Continuum of Care". This means that patients have access to all required services, access to specialty and hospital services, and after-hours coverage. The majority of patients served by FQHCs experience barriers to accessing health care services so the FQHC must be physically located where it ensures accessibility, like on or near a major road or on a public transportation stop. Hours of operation must facilitate access to care by having some early morning, evening or weekend hours. The FQHC's health care providers must ensure the appropriate mix of services for the target population. Each FQHC must consider the mix of services already available to its patients through other providers to minimize the duplication of services and maximize the efficient use of its financial resources. If required services will not be provided directly, the FQHC should have written agreements with other providers for those services. On an ongoing basis, FQHCs must establish and update health care goals and objectives that address highest priority health care needs of patients, and collaborate to achieve goals when possible.

All FQHCs must have a Medical Director that supervises all clinical activities and medical doctors that are licensed and residency trained. Appropriate Board Certification is very desirable. Other clinicians besides medical doctors must have appropriate licensure.