§ 236. Charles D. Cook office of rural health created. There is
hereby created the Charles D. Cook office of rural health within the
state department of health. Such office shall:

1. Integrate and coordinate selected state health care grant and loan
programs established specifically for rural health care providers and
residents. As part of this function, the office shall develop a
coordinated application process for use by rural providers,
municipalities and others in seeking funds and/or technical assistance
on pertinent rural health care programs and services. The office shall
also work to promote the usage of the Rural Assistance Information
Network (RAIN) to assist rural providers and others in obtaining
information on funding and/or technical assistance for rural health care
programs and services.

2. Apply for grants, and accept gifts from private and public sources
for research to improve and enhance rural health care services and
facilities. The office shall also promote rural health research in
universities and colleges.

3. Together with the rural health council, serve as liaison and
advocate for the department on rural health matters. This function shall
include the provision of staff support to the rural health council and
the establishment of appropriate program linkages with related federal,
state, and local agencies and programs such as the office of rural
affairs, the agricultural extension service and migrant health services.

4. Assist medical schools and state agencies to develop comprehensive
programs to improve rural health personnel supply by promoting rural
clinical training and curriculum improvement, and disseminating rural
health career information to high school and college students.

5. Promote community strategic planning or new or improved health care
delivery systems and networks in rural areas. Strategic network planning
and development may include such considerations as personnel, capital
facilities, reimbursement, primary care, long term care, acute care,
rehabilitative, preventive, and related services on the health
continuum.

6. Review the impact of programs, regulations, and health care
reimbursement policies on rural services delivery and access.