Bill > SB2697

This bill extends the COVID-19 Hospital Expanded Capacity Program, administered by the Mississippi Department of Health, through December 31, 2024. The program provides financial reimbursements to hospitals that increased their treatment capacity during the pandemic, with specific funding allocations for creating intensive care unit (ICU) beds (up to $200,000 per bed) and negative pressure beds (up to $50,000 per bed). Hospitals must apply for grants by December 31, 2023, and certify that their expenditures comply with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) guidelines. The Department of Health can retain up to $150,000 for program administration and must submit an annual report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee detailing grant applications, awarded funds, and the number of beds reimbursed. The program will be funded through Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the act itself will be repealed on July 1, 2026. Notably, the department cannot reimburse hospitals for professional fees associated with bed creation or funds already covered by the Mississippi ICU Infrastructure Act.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2697.xml