SB351 Summary

• 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 minimal or no cost.

• Eligible hospitals are defined as nonprofit or public rural hospitals located in shortage areas (as defined in 42 C.F.R. § 491.5) or areas designated as rural by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.

• Resource center must hire staff, serve as resource to the Alabama Rural Hospital Global Budget Board, establish a rural administrative residency program in partnership with UAB's Graduate Program in Health Administration, and submit annual reports to the Legislature, State Finance Director, and Medicaid Commissioner.

• Annual reporting must include financial improvements, satisfaction survey results, quality improvements, access to care improvements, and health status improvements at participating hospitals.

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