A local health department shall award a contract or grant under this chapter primarily for the purpose of improving health outcomes and preventing or reducing the prevalence of the health issues related to core public health services. In awarding the contracts or grants, the local health department shall prioritize:

1. (1) currently operational local health care providing entities, including hospitals, clinics, physicians, pharmacies, and home health agencies;
2. (2) multiple-county initiatives that contract with proven outcomes based health improvement providers; and
3. (3) evidence-based practices to achieving desired health outcomes, including the use of behavioral incentives.

As added by P.L.164-2023, SEC.51.