AL HB446

Establishes the Alabama Rural Hospital Resource Center within the University of Alabama at Birmingham to improve viability and capabilities of eligible nonprofit and public rural hospitals at no or minimal cost.

Defines "rural" as areas designated as shortage areas under 42 C.F.R. § 491.5(c) and (d) or as rural areas by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.

Requires the resource center to hire necessary staff and submit annual reports to the Legislature, State Finance Director, and Medicaid Commissioner covering financial improvement, satisfaction surveys, quality improvements, access to care, and health status improvements.

Creates a rural administrative residency program in partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Graduate Program in Health Administration, with priority support for hospitals participating in the global budget model.

Authorizes the resource center to provide support in compliance, coding, purchasing and supply chain, quality, strategic planning, provider recruitment, cost reporting, insurance, and other areas furthering the center's purpose.

Implementation is contingent upon University of Alabama at Birmingham approval and appropriation of sufficient funds by the Legislature or Governor.