(a) Funds appropriated for the purposes of this chapter shall be used to enhance and maintain rural health services provided by counties, hospitals, physicians, and other providers of services to patients who cannot afford to pay for those services, and for whom payment will not be made through any private coverage or by any program funded in whole or in part by the federal government.
(b) The requirements of Sections 16804.1 and 16818 apply to services supported by funds appropriated for the purposes of this chapter.
(c) Except as specifically provided in this chapter, the authority of each county established pursuant to Section 16817 shall remain unaffected.
(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 195, Sec. 34. Effective July 12, 1994.)