1. What are health professional shortage areas (HPSAs)?

• A. Areas with inadequate health care facilities for residents
• B. Isolated areas of underserved populations within urban regions
• C. Regions with insufficient numbers of health care providers
• D. Rural regions of the United States with population densities of less than 10,000

Answer: (C)

Shortages in the health workforce are what define health professional shortage areas. An HPSA is a region where there aren’t enough health care providers to meet the population’s needs, taking into account the types of providers (primary care, dental, mental health) and the population served. Designations come from HRSA and can apply to geographic areas, specific populations (like underserved groups), or certain facilities. This focus on the availability of providers rather than just facility quality or population density is what makes a location an HPSA.

The other ideas describe different access issues. Areas with insufficient facilities emphasize infrastructure or capacity rather than provider numbers. Isolated urban pockets describe underserved populations within cities, which may be addressed by MUAs/MUPs rather than HPSAs. A rural area defined by a population density threshold isn’t a standard criterion for HPSA designation.