(a) There is a Rural Health Collaborative Pilot within the mid–shore region.
(b) The Collaborative is an independent unit in the Department.
(c) The Collaborative shall have a minimum of 29 members but may not exceed 35 members.
(d) The Collaborative shall include the following members:
(1) The Executive Committee; and
(2) The following members appointed by the Secretary:
(i) One representative from a local department of social services in the mid–shore region;
(ii) One representative from a local management board in the mid–shore region;
(iii) One representative from a department of emergency services in the mid–shore region;
(iv) One representative from a local agency on aging in the mid–shore region;
(v) One representative from a local board of education in the mid–shore region;
(vi) One health care consumer from each county in the mid–shore region;
(vii) One health care provider from each county in the mid–shore region; and
(viii) Two representatives from primary transportation providers in the mid–shore region.
(e) The purposes of the Collaborative are to:
(1) Lead a regional partnership in building a rural health system that enhances access to and utilization of health care services designed to meet the triple aim of:
(i) Providing health care;
(ii) Alignment with the State’s Medicare waiver; and
(iii) Improving population health;
(2) Mediate disputes between stakeholders;
(3) Assist in collaboration among health care service providers in the mid–shore region;
(4) Increase the awareness among county officials and residents regarding the health status, health needs, and available resources in the mid–shore region; and
(5) Enhance rural economic development in the mid–shore region.