This bill proposes the establishment of a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Administration, specifically aimed at supporting acute care for rural hospitals, health care providers, and trauma centers through the licensing of an interoperability software technology solution. The program will be active for fiscal years 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028, with a grant awarded by December 1, 2025. The bill includes provisions for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to assist in securing federal matching funds and outlines specific requirements for the software solution, including compliance with privacy standards, real-time data exchange, and mobile accessibility.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the grant recipient demonstrate compliance with the software requirements and provide proof of veteran employment. It requires the recipient to report metrics on cost and time savings associated with the software solution, with a comprehensive report to be submitted to various legislative leaders by June 30 of each fiscal year. The bill also appropriates $6,000,000 from the state general fund for the program and specifies that these funds are exempt from lapsing provisions, reverting to the general fund only if unspent by June 30, 2028. The section establishing the grant program will be repealed after December 31, 2028.