Charles D

§ 236. Charles D. Cook office of rural health created. There is hereby created the Charles D. Cook office of rural health within the state department of health. Such office shall:

1. Integrate and coordinate selected state health care grant and loan programs established specifically for rural health care providers and residents. As part of this function, the office shall develop a coordinated application process for use by rural providers, municipalities and others in seeking funds and/or technical assistance on pertinent rural health care programs and services. The office shall also work to promote the usage of the Rural Assistance Information Network (RAIN) to assist rural providers and others in obtaining information on funding and/or technical assistance for rural health care programs and services.

2. Apply for grants, and accept gifts from private and public sources for research to improve and enhance rural health care services and facilities. The office shall also promote rural health research in universities and colleges.

3. Together with the rural health council, serve as liaison and advocate for the department on rural health matters. This function shall include the provision of staff support to the rural health council and the establishment of appropriate program linkages with related federal, state, and local agencies and programs such as the office of rural affairs, the agricultural extension service and migrant health services.

4. Assist medical schools and state agencies to develop comprehensive programs to improve rural health personnel supply by promoting rural clinical training and curriculum improvement, and disseminating rural health career information to high school and college students.

5. Promote community strategic planning or new or improved health care delivery systems and networks in rural areas. Strategic network planning and development may include such considerations as personnel, capital facilities, reimbursement, primary care, long term care, acute care, rehabilitative, preventive, and related services on the health continuum.

6. Review the impact of programs, regulations, and health care reimbursement policies on rural services delivery and access.