1. (a) No grant shall be approved unless, in the opinion of the department:

   1. (1) the application addresses one or more essential public health services;
   2. (2) the application includes a workable plan to bring about improvements in health status that are demonstrable or measurable, or the application identifies specific positive outcomes;
   3. (3) the applicant provides a plan and method for evaluating the effectiveness of the activities carried out under the grant; and
   4. (4) with regard to Part II grants, the application addresses disparities in morbidity, mortality, or health status in minority populations.

2. (b) A grant application will be given funding preference, in a manner determined by the department and announced in the request for proposal, to the extent that it:

   1. (1) demonstrates innovation(s) that are replicable in other parts of Texas;
   2. (2) documents the intent and ability of the applicant to communicate and collaborate with elements of the community that deliver essential public health services, health care providers, consumers, businesses, educational institutions, governmental agencies, law enforcement agencies, or religious institutions and how community needs have been or will be determined and addressed;
   3. (3) demonstrates a strong financial commitment on the part of the applicant toward the activities proposed including direct funding or significant in-kind contributions from the applicant, local entities, private donors, state agencies, federal grantors, or private foundations;
   4. (4) with respect to Part I and II grants, considers or inquires into one or more of the underlying causes of public health problems;
   5. (5) addresses or demonstrates cost-effectiveness or cost benefit;
   6. (6) includes a plan for the dissemination of methods, findings or conclusions;
   7. (7) with respect to Part III grants, demonstrates a contribution to strengthening of the essential public health services infrastructure
   8. (8) with respect to Part III grants, demonstrates that the applicant has or will develop a local health board or other appropriate advisory group during the grant period; or
   9. (9) contains such other information or criteria that the commissioner may specify and include in the request for proposals.

Source Note:The provisions of this §83.11 adopted to be effective February 10, 2000, 25 TexReg 779.