The Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act is designed to improve healthcare services in rural counties by implementing various programs and establishing new frameworks. Key provisions include amendments to the Government Code that mandate a strategic plan for hospital services in rural areas, which must now incorporate a financial needs assessment and a financial vulnerability index for rural hospitals. The act also establishes the State Office of Rural Hospital Finance to provide technical assistance and creates the Texas Rural Hospital Officers Academy for professional development. Additionally, the bill introduces several grant programs, including financial stabilization, emergency hardship, and innovation grants, aimed at supporting rural hospitals and healthcare systems facing financial challenges.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific requirements for grant recipients, ensuring compliance with Medicaid while prohibiting the use of funds for expenses covered by other sources. It introduces definitions for "rural health clinic" and "rural hospital," and establishes a Pediatric Tele-Connectivity Resource Program to connect rural facilities with pediatric specialists. A new subchapter focused on mental health care access for pediatric patients is also created, requiring parental consent for services. The legislation emphasizes the development of telemedicine programs to enhance mental health service access and mandates biennial reporting by the Health and Human Services Commission on the program's activities and effectiveness. Overall, the act aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and services in rural Texas, particularly in pediatrics and mental health.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 113.0001, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 548.0351, Health and Safety Code 113.0251 (Health and Safety Code 113, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 548)
House Committee Report: Government Code 526.0301, Government Code 532.0155, Government Code 548.0351, Government Code 548.0352, Government Code 548.0353, Government Code 548.0354, Government Code 548.0357, Health and Safety Code 113.0001, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 526.0321, Health and Safety Code 113.0251 (Government Code 532, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 548, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 526, Health and Safety Code 113, Government Code 548, Government Code 526)