H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 9B.2 of S.L. 2023-134 continues funding of the Community Health Grant Program administered by the Office of Rural Health (ORH), Division of Central Management, Department of Health and Human Services. No individual grant can exceed $150,000, and ORH must consider (i) the incidence of poverty in the area served by the applicant or the number of indigent clients served by the applicant; (ii) the availability of, or arrangements for, after-hours care; and (iii) collaboration between the applicant and a community hospital or other safety net organizations in awarding grants. Grant money cannot be used to enhance compensation or benefits or supplant existing funds, and only $200,000 can be spent for administrative purposes. ORH must submit annual reports on September 1 on the grants to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.