1. (a) For purposes of this section:

   1. (1) "Control" includes the ability to make decisions regarding the time and manner in which to spend grant money awarded under this subchapter.
   2. (2) "Hospital system" means a system of two or more hospitals under the common governance of a single corporate parent.

2. (b) To ensure that grant money awarded under this subchapter is used for the benefit of residents of rural counties, money awarded to a hospital that is part of a hospital system:

   1. (1) may not be retained or otherwise controlled by:

      1. (A) the corporate parent of the hospital system; or
      2. (B) the hospital system; and
   2. (2) must be under the control of an individual who is present on the premises of the hospital, or an administrative office of the hospital that is located within five miles of the hospital, at least two days per week.

Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 707 (H.B. 18), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.