§ 20-1404. Recommendations; designation of areas as Health Enterprise Zones [Subtitle subject to abrogation].

   (a) Commission to make recommendations to Secretary. -- The Commission shall make recommendations to the Secretary on the designation of Health Enterprise Zones under this subtitle.

(b) Secretary to designate areas as Health Enterprise Zones. --

   (1) The Secretary shall designate areas as Health Enterprise Zones in accordance with this subtitle.

   (2) The Secretary shall consider geographic diversity, among other factors, when designating areas as Health Enterprise Zones and may direct the Commission to conduct outreach efforts to facilitate a geographically diverse pool of applicants, including promoting applications from rural areas.

   (3) After receiving all applications submitted to the Commission, the Commission shall report, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee on the names of applicants and geographic areas in which applicants are located.

(c) Limitations on numbers of areas designated. -- The Secretary may limit the number of areas designated as Health Enterprise Zones in accordance with the State budget.

(d) Priority designations. -- The Commission and the Secretary shall give priority to applications that demonstrate the following:

   (1) Support from and participation of key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, including residents of the area and local government;

   (2) A plan for long-term funding and sustainability;

   (3) Inclusion of supporting funds from the private sector;

   (4) Integration with the State Health Improvement Process and the goals set out in the strategic plan of the local health improvement coalition;

   (5) A plan for evaluation of the impact of designation of the proposed area as a Health Enterprise Zone; and

   (6) Other factors that the Commission and the Secretary determine are appropriate to demonstrate a commitment to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes.

(e) Finality of designation decisions. -- The decision of the Secretary to designate an area as a Health Enterprise Zone is final.

HISTORY: 2012, ch. 3, § 1.