Legislative findings and intent

§ 234. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature hereby finds, determines, and declares that:

1. There is a necessity to address different approaches to rural health care delivery in the state. These approaches need to support diverse community and individual needs including unique rural conditions such as low population density, a large proportion of elderly, geographic isolation, inadequate transportation, absence of economies of scale, as well as fluctuating and limited service demands.

2. It is often difficult for small, rural health care providers to obtain timely information on rural programs. Also, it is often burdensome for these providers to locate the resources to apply for aid from programs which exist to support rural health care services delivery.

3. Both private and public sectors have begun to recognize the urgency for programs that address the unique nature of rural health care access and service delivery. New rural health care programs have been estab-lished, however, these programs are administered by several organizations and municipalities. Coordination is essential to maximize their potential impact on the rural community.

4. Rural health care providers would greatly benefit if there were a single office within the department which would coordinate the administration and flow of information on rural health programs by promoting innovative and improved approaches to rural health care delivery.