MS HB1555

Appropriates $37,238,160.00 from the State General Fund and $347,745,072.00 from special funds to the Mississippi Department of Health for fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016).

Allocates $40,000,000.00 for the Trauma Care System, including support for regional trauma centers in Mississippi and designated out-of-state facilities, with authority to transfer funds to Medicaid for enhanced reimbursement programs.

Dedicates $20,000,000.00 from the Tobacco Control Program Fund for cancer research ($5,000,000), school nurse programs ($3,600,000), tobacco enforcement ($800,000), and other health initiatives.

Authorizes 1,454 permanent full-time, 13 permanent part-time, 987 time-limited full-time, and 9 time-limited part-time positions for the Department of Health.

Establishes specific performance targets for health metrics including infant mortality rates, immunization percentages, disease case rates, and water quality standards, with reporting requirements to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.