N.Y. Public Health Law § 236: Charles D

§ 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.