Bill > HB2754

This bill establishes the Oklahoma Rural Hospitals Funding Assistance Grant Program to support healthcare access in rural areas of the state. The program, to be administered by the State Department of Health, focuses on providing grants to medical facilities in small towns (populations under 5,000) that qualify as federally critical access hospitals and are owned by public trusts or municipalities. The Department will develop a rubric to identify and prioritize rural areas with limited medical care access, with grant amounts limited to the funds available in a newly created revolving fund. The bill defines "adequate medical care facilities" and authorizes the Department to create rules and procedures for implementing the grant program. A new revolving fund will be established in the State Treasury, which will be a continuing fund not subject to fiscal year limitations, and will consist of monies directed for deposit by law. The funds can be spent by the State Department of Health in accordance with the act's provisions, with expenditures made through warrants issued by the State Treasurer. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause to emphasize its immediate importance for public health and safety.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2754&Session=2600