TEXAS RURAL HOSPITAL OFFICERS ACADEMY.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.

(2) "Rural county" means a county with a population of 68,750 or less.

(3) "Rural hospital" has the meaning assigned by Section 548.0351.

(b) To the extent money is appropriated to the commission for the purpose, the commission shall contract with at least two but not more than four institutions of higher education to administer an academy to provide professional development and continuing education programs for the officers of rural hospitals and other health care providers located in rural counties. The academy must offer at least 100 hours of coursework each year that consists of courses and technical training on matters that impact the financial stability of rural hospitals and rural health care systems, including:

(1) relevant state and federal regulations;

(2) relevant state and federal financial programs;

(3) business administration, including revenue maximization;

(4) organizational management; and

(5) other topics applicable to the financial stability of rural hospitals and rural health care systems.

(b-1) The commission shall establish an interagency advisory committee to oversee the development of the academy's curriculum. The advisory committee is composed of the following members appointed by the executive commissioner:

(1) a representative of the commission;

(2) a representative of two or more institutions of higher education;

(3) a representative of the Department of State Health Services;

(4) a representative of the Texas Department of Insurance;

(5) a representative of the state auditor's office;

(6) a representative of a rural hospital; and

(7) a representative of any state agency the executive commissioner determines is appropriate.

(b-2) The advisory committee established under Subsection (b-1) is abolished on the earlier of:

(1) the date the advisory committee adopts a curriculum; or

(2) September 1, 2027.

(b-3) This subsection and Subsections (b-1) and (b-2) expire September 1, 2028.

(c) The commission shall establish criteria for the screening and selection of applicants for admission to an academy and include the criteria in each contract entered into under Subsection (b). An institution of higher education that receives a contract to administer an academy under Subsection (b) shall notify the commission when the institution completes the applicant selection process and provide information to the commission regarding the qualifications of the applicants.

(d) Participation in an academy is limited to individuals who are responsible for, or who anticipate becoming responsible for, the financial stability of a rural hospital or rural health care system in this state.

(e) An institution of higher education that receives a contract to administer an academy under Subsection (b):

(1) shall accept new participants for the academy each year;

(2) shall offer to reimburse academy participants for travel and related expenses; and

(3) may not claim or charge a participant for admission to or participation in the academy or any associated services.