The bill, H.B. No. 4801, seeks to authorize the Nueces County Hospital District to establish a grant program aimed at recruiting and retaining medical professionals, particularly physicians, within the district. The bill amends Section 281.094(a) of the Health and Safety Code to allow the hospital district's board, with the approval of the Nueces County Commissioners Court, to utilize funds from non-tax sources for various health care services and to support a new grant program. This program is designed to help hospitals in the district retain current physicians and recruit new ones specializing in critical health care needs, as well as to increase residency positions at these hospitals.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 281.0941, which outlines the establishment and administration of the grant program. It mandates the board to adopt rules ensuring that the grants are used to provide medical aid and hospital care for indigent and needy individuals in the district. The rules will cover the application process for hospitals, eligibility and selection criteria for grant awards, accountability controls, and other necessary aspects of the program. Importantly, the bill specifies that funds received under Chapter 298C cannot be used to finance grants awarded under this new program. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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