This bill proposes to establish the Arizona Rural Health Transformation Fund under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), which will consist of funds received through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The bill mandates that AHCCCS administer the fund and specifies that the funds are continuously appropriated. Additionally, before any expenditures can be made from the fund, AHCCCS is required to hold three public meetings in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern, Central, and Southern Arizona to gather input on the allocation of the funds. Following these meetings, AHCCCS must submit an expenditure plan to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for approval.

The current statutes do not include provisions for the Arizona Rural Health Transformation Fund or the associated processes for public engagement and expenditure planning. The bill introduces new sections to Title 36, chapter 29, article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically detailing the establishment of the fund, its administration by AHCCCS, and the requirements for public meetings and legislative approval of expenditure plans. This update aims to enhance rural health care access and outcomes through strategic funding and community involvement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2920.01