Article 4. Coordination Of Rural Health Programs of California Health And Safety Code >> Division 106. >> Part 4. >> Chapter 5. >> Article 4.

The director shall ensure the coordination of state efforts in rural health in order to maximize effective use of scarce medical resources and to coordinate efforts to provide health services through the California Health Services Corps and health services development projects with existing program resources, including, but not limited to, migrant health programs, American Indian health programs, contract county health services programs, the National Health Service Corps, and other related programs administered by the department to ensure minimal duplication and maximum effectiveness.

The California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission shall establish a plan that integrates family practice residencies and other health sciences education programs established in rural areas pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 31910) of Chapter 5 of Division 5 of Division 22 of the Education Code with the health services provided pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 124700).

The California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission, in coordination with the Rural Health Section of the department, shall designate the geographical rural areas within California where unmet priority need for medical services exists.

The director shall utilize the authority to establish health manpower pilot projects pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 128125) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 107 to develop personnel with special health and medical skills that may effectively advance the objectives of the Primary Care Services Act (Section 27).

Each proposal for health corps personnel or project application under Article 3 (commencing with Section 124700) shall be submitted to the appropriate county health officer or district health officer for review and recommendation. The review and recommendation shall be completed within 30 days of receipt. Any recommendations made shall be based upon the Health Systems Plan and Annual Implementation Plan as required for that area by Public Law 93-641.

If the director decides to act contrary to the recommendation of a county or district health officer made pursuant to Section 124775, the director shall explain his or her action in writing to the appropriate board of supervisors.

Nothing in the Primary Care Services Act (Section 27) shall affect the operation of local public health services contracted for by the department with other agencies pursuant to former Section 1157.