House Bill 281 Summary

• Appropriates $110,359,900 to the Department of Health and Welfare's Public Health Services Division for fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016), distributed across Physical Health Services ($94,271,400), Emergency Medical Services ($11,381,500), and Laboratory Services ($4,707,000).

• Authorizes 221.5 full-time equivalent positions across three programs: Physical Health Services (139.33 positions), Emergency Medical Services (42.17 positions), and Laboratory Services (40.00 positions), with gubernatorial approval required for any increases.

• Directs the State Controller to make periodic transfers from the General Fund to the Cooperative Welfare Fund as requested by the Department director and approved by the Board of Examiners.

• Prohibits the transfer of funds budgeted for trustee and benefit payments to any other expense class during fiscal year 2016.

• Requires TRICARE vaccine appropriations to be used solely for that purpose, with any unexpended moneys reverted to the General Fund, and mandates an annual accreditation status report to the Legislative Services Office by December 31, 2015.