The bill, H.B. No. 4801, proposes the establishment of a grant program by the Nueces County Hospital District aimed at recruiting and retaining medical professionals, particularly physicians. It amends Section 281.094(b) of the Health and Safety Code to allow the district to use funds for this new grant program, alongside existing provisions for indigent health care and intergovernmental transfers for Medicaid payments. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection (3) to authorize the grant program, which is detailed in the newly introduced Section 281.0941.

Under the new Section 281.0941, the Nueces County Hospital District is tasked with administering the grant program to support local hospitals in retaining current physicians and recruiting new ones in critical specialties. Additionally, the program aims to increase residency positions at these hospitals. The board of the hospital district will set the application process, eligibility criteria, and accountability measures to ensure that the grants are used effectively to benefit the district's indigent residents. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 281.094 (Health and Safety Code 281)