89R5595 JTZ-D     By: Alvarado S.B. No. 722       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a mobile stroke unit grant program.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, is amended   by adding Subchapter H-1 to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER H-1. MOBILE STROKE UNIT GRANT PROGRAM          Sec. 773.221.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                (1)  "Commission" means the Health and Human Services   Commission.                (2)  "Grant program" means the mobile stroke unit grant   program established under this subchapter.                (3)  "Mobile stroke unit" means a specialized emergency   medical services vehicle that:                      (A)  is equipped with a mobile computed tomography   scanner and other necessary medical equipment and medications for   diagnosing and treating an individual who suffers a stroke;                      (B)  is staffed with personnel trained to diagnose   and provide acute stroke treatment to an individual outside of a   hospital setting; and                      (C)  has a neurologist on board the vehicle or   available for consultation with the vehicle's personnel through a   telemedicine medical service, as defined by Section 111.001,   Occupations Code.                (4)  "Stroke facility" has the meaning assigned by   Section 773.202.          Sec. 773.222.  ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF GRANT   PROGRAM. The executive commissioner by rule shall establish and   the commission shall administer a mobile stroke unit grant program   to improve health care outcomes for individuals who suffer a stroke   by providing financial assistance to stroke facilities and   increasing the availability of mobile stroke units in this state.          Sec. 773.223.  APPLICATION. A stroke facility that holds a   comprehensive (Level 1) stroke designation from the department may   apply to the commission for a grant award under the grant program.          Sec. 773.224.  AWARD OF GRANTS. (a) The executive   commissioner by rule shall establish eligibility criteria and a   scoring system for the commission to award grants under the   program.          (b)  The commission may award grants under the program to   eligible applicants.          (c)  The commission may only award a grant in accordance with   a contract between the commission and a grant recipient that   includes conditions providing the commission with sufficient   control to ensure the public purpose of improving public health is   accomplished and the state receives a return benefit.          Sec. 773.225.  USE OF GRANT MONEY. A grant recipient may use   money awarded under the grant program only for the recipient's   capital costs associated with procuring equipment necessary to   operate a mobile stroke unit, including:                (1)  a specialized emergency medical services vehicle;                (2)  a mobile computed tomography scanner;                (3)  medical equipment used in diagnosing or treating   an individual who suffers a stroke; and                (4)  any other equipment the commission considers   necessary or appropriate.          Sec. 773.226.  GRANT RECIPIENT REPORTING REQUIREMENT. A   grant recipient shall annually submit to the commission a report on   the recipient's use of grant money, including:                (1)  the health outcomes of individuals treated by the   recipient's mobile stroke units; and                (2)  the recipient's operating expenses associated with   operating mobile stroke units.          Sec. 773.227.  FUNDING. The commission shall award grants   as provided by this subchapter from available money and any   additional money appropriated for purposes of this subchapter.          Sec. 773.228.  GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The commission   may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source that are   made for the purposes of the grant program.          SECTION 2.  Not later than January 1, 2026, the executive   commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall   adopt the rules necessary to implement Subchapter H-1, Chapter 773,   Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.            SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.