Maxton Family Practice Earns Rural Health Clinic Accreditation, Advancing Access to Care

Maxton Family Practice, part of the Scotland Physicians Network (SPN), has earned accreditation to be designated as a Rural Health Clinic (RHC) through The Joint Commission, becoming the second SPN practice to achieve this important milestone. 

 
This designation reinforces Scotland Health’s ongoing commitment to strengthening access to high‑quality primary care services in the rural communities it serves. 

 
Rural Health Clinic accreditation signifies that a practice meets nationally recognized standards for patient safety, quality of care, care coordination, and operational excellence—while addressing the unique healthcare challenges often faced in rural areas, including provider shortages and transportation barriers. 

 
“Achieving Rural Health Clinic accreditation for Maxton Family Practice reflects the dedication of our providers and staff to delivering safe, trusted, and compassionate care close to home,” said Dr. Shelly Lowery, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Practices at Scotland Health. “This milestone is about strengthening our entire network—not elevating one practice over another—and ensuring all of our rural communities have access to consistent, high‑quality care.” 

 
As one of the community’s longtime primary care providers, Maxton Family Practice plays a vital role in serving patients and families throughout Scotland, Robeson, and surrounding counties. The Rural Health Clinic designation supports team‑based care models, enhances care coordination, and helps sustain essential services—allowing Scotland Health to continue investing in its people, technology, and facilities across the region. 

 
With Maxton Family Practice now accredited, Scotland Health continues advancing its broader strategy to pursue Rural Health Clinic designation for all Scotland Physicians Network primary care practices, ensuring equitable access to quality care throughout the region. 

 
Laurinburg Family Practice and Urgent Care was the first SPN practice to receive Rural Health Clinic accreditation earlier this year, and other primary care practices across the network are preparing for surveys to occur in the near future. 

 
For more information about Maxton Family Practice or other Scotland Physicians Network locations, visit www.scotlandhealth.org.