§ 234. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature hereby finds,
determines, and declares that:

1. There is a necessity to address different approaches to rural
health care delivery in the state. These approaches need to support
diverse community and individual needs including unique rural conditions
such as low population density, a large proportion of elderly,
geographic isolation, inadequate transportation, absence of economies of
scale, as well as fluctuating and limited service demands.

2. It is often difficult for small, rural health care providers to
obtain timely information on rural programs. Also, it is often
burdensome for these providers to locate the resources to apply for aid
from programs which exist to support rural health care services
delivery.

3. Both private and public sectors have begun to recognize the urgency
for programs that address the unique nature of rural health care access
and service delivery. New rural health care programs have been estab-
lished, however, these programs are administered by several
organizations and municipalities. Coordination is essential to maximize
their potential impact on the rural community.

4. Rural health care providers would greatly benefit if there were a
single office within the department which would coordinate the
administration and flow of information on rural health programs by
promoting innovative and improved approaches to rural health care
delivery.