The bill proposes an appropriation for the Department of Health for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, allocating a total of $484,055,935 for the department's operations and $26,184,659 for the trauma system. It establishes a maximum of 2,223 regular employees, including key positions such as the Secretary of Health and various health program directors. The bill also details funding for health-related programs, including $75,813,059 for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and $350,000 for the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee. Additionally, it allows for temporary or part-time employees, referred to as "Extra Help," to assist with departmental operations.

Significant amendments include the establishment of the Department of Health as the administering agency for grants to local governments near nuclear-powered electricity generating facilities, replacing the previous requirement for "nuclear disaster response procedures and precautions" with a mandate for a "radiological response" plan. The bill also allows the Department of Health to carry forward unspent funds from the Public Health Fund for trauma system support and mandates a minimum annual budget for the Breast Care Program. An emergency clause is included to ensure the act takes effect on July 1, 2023, to maintain continuity in essential governmental programs.

Statutes affected:
HB 1092: 20-21-502
Act 565: 20-21-502