(a) The commission shall establish an innovation grant program to provide support to rural hospitals, rural hospital districts, and rural hospital authorities that undertake initiatives:
- (1) to provide access to health care and improve the quality of health care provided to residents of a rural county;
- (2) that are likely to improve the financial stability of the grant recipient; and
- (3) that are estimated to become sustainable and be maintained without additional state funding after the award of a grant under this section.
(b) In awarding grants under this section, the office shall prioritize initiatives focused on improving health care facilities or services for:
- (1) women who are pregnant or recently gave birth;
- (2) individuals under the age of 20;
- (3) older adults residing in a rural county; or
- (4) individuals who are uninsured.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 707 (H.B. 18), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.