88R21910 KKR-D By: A. Johnson of Harris, et al. H.B. No. 2356 Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2356: By: Klick C.S.H.B. No. 2356 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a mobile stroke unit grant program. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subchapter H-1 to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER H-1. MOBILE STROKE UNIT GRANT PROGRAM Sec. 773.221. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Commission" means the Health and Human Services Commission. (2) "Department" means the Department of State Health Services. (3) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the commission. (4) "Grant program" means the mobile stroke unit grant program established under this subchapter. (5) "Mobile stroke unit" means a specialized emergency medical services vehicle that: (A) is equipped with a mobile computed tomography scanner and other necessary medical equipment and medications for diagnosing and treating an individual who suffers a stroke; (B) is staffed with personnel trained to diagnose and provide acute stroke treatment to an individual outside of a hospital setting; and (C) has a neurologist on board the vehicle or available for consultation with the vehicle's personnel through a telemedicine medical service, as defined by Section 111.001, Occupations Code. (6) "Stroke facility" has the meaning assigned by Section 773.202. Sec. 773.222. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF GRANT PROGRAM. The executive commissioner by rule shall establish and the commission shall administer a mobile stroke unit grant program to improve health care outcomes for individuals who suffer a stroke by providing financial assistance to stroke facilities and increase the availability of mobile stroke units in this state. Sec. 773.223. APPLICATION. The following entities may apply to the commission to receive money under the grant program: (1) a local health department established under Subchapter D, Chapter 121, or a public health district established under Subchapter E, Chapter 121; (2) an emergency medical services department of a municipality or county; (3) a fire department of a municipality or county that provides emergency medical services; (4) an emergency services district created under Chapter 775; and (5) a stroke facility. Sec. 773.224. AWARD OF GRANTS. (a) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish eligibility criteria and a scoring system for the commission to award grants under the grant program. (b) The commission may award grants under the grant program to eligible applicants. Sec. 773.225. USE OF GRANT MONEY; REQUIRED COORDINATION. (a) Subject to Subsection (b), a grant recipient may use money awarded under the grant program only for the recipient's capital costs associated with procuring equipment necessary to operate a mobile stroke unit, including: (1) a specialized emergency medical services vehicle; (2) a mobile computed tomography scanner; (3) medical equipment used in diagnosing or treating an individual who suffers a stroke; and (4) any other equipment the commission considers necessary or appropriate. (b) A grant recipient must coordinate the use of money awarded under the grant program with a facility designated by the department as a comprehensive Level I stroke facility. Sec. 773.226. GRANT RECIPIENT REPORTING REQUIREMENT. A grant recipient shall annually submit to the commission a report on the recipient's use of grant money, including: (1) the health outcomes of individuals treated by the recipient's mobile stroke units; and (2) the recipient's operating expenses associated with operating mobile stroke units. Sec. 773.227. FUNDING. The commission shall award grants as provided by this subchapter from available money and any additional money appropriated for purposes of this subchapter. Sec. 773.228. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The commission may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source for purposes of the grant program. SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2024, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall adopt the rules necessary to implement Subchapter H-1, Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.