Solicitation for Letters of Interest; Tobacco Settlement Act; HealthLink [31 Pa.B. 5619] In anticipation of the release of the HealthLink Request for Applications (RFA) 01-07-06, the Department of Health (Department) is soliciting Letters of Interest and comments from eligible hospitals for participation in the HealthLink program defined in Chapter 19, Sections 1901--1904, of The Tobacco Settlement Act, Act 2001-77 (Act). The Act defines eligible hospitals as those licensed by the Department as a health care facility providing medical and surgical services under the act of July 19, 1979 (P. L. 130, No. 48) known as the Health Care Facilities Act and located in counties of the sixth, seventh or eighth class. Letters are being solicited to inform the Department about the number of potential applicants for grants under this chapter, to allow the Department to determine the amount of funds to be allocated among interested and eligible hospitals and to solicit comments regarding the implementation of the HealthLink program.
HealthLink grants are available to eligible hospitals for the purchase of medical and surgical equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and for reimbursement of expenses related to the purchase of equipment. Eligible hospitals must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Be located in a county of the sixth, seventh or eighth class;
2. Submit an application to the Department describing the equipment to be purchased and its intended purpose;
3. Provide matching funds in the amount of 100% of the amount of the grant.
Eligible hospitals must agree to provide medically necessary services to individuals regardless of the individual's ability to pay for services and be a participating provider with the Department of Public Welfare for services provided to persons eligible for Medical Assistance. Grant recipients under the HealthLink program will be subject to audit by the Department to ensure that funds are used in accordance with program requirements, and must provide information relating to the expenditure of moneys in a format to be specified by the Department.
Upon release of RFA 01-07-06, a copy will be provided to all known hospitals located in counties of the sixth, seventh or eighth class as well as all entities submitting a Letter of Interest. The Department is requesting the Letter of Interest form and comments be submitted by October 26, 2001, to Department of Health, Bureau of Health Planning, Room 1033 Health and Welfare Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
To receive a copy of the Letter of Interest materials and form, contact Joseph B. May, Director, Bureau of Health Planning, 1033 Health and Welfare Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120, (717) 772-5298. The Letter of Interest form and instructions may also be downloaded from the Department's website www.health.state.pa.us.
Persons with disabilities desiring a copy of this notice or a Letter of Interest form in alternative formats (such as larger print, audio tape or Braille) should contact Joseph B. May at (717) 772-5298 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Services at (800) 654-5984.
ROBERT S. ZIMMERMAN, Jr.,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 01-1813. Filed for public inspection October 5, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]
