(a) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the Secretary shall establish procedures for the distribution of money from the Fund.
(2) In establishing procedures for awarding grants under § 24–1503 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall consult with the members of the Children’s Cabinet.
(3) In establishing procedures for awarding grants under § 24–1506 of this subtitle, including the procedure by which a federally qualified health center, hospital, or provider of prenatal care may apply for a grant, the Secretary shall consult with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau in the Department.
(b) Priority on awarding grants under § 24–1503 of this subtitle shall be given to proposals from a county or municipality that:
(1) Has:
(i) A high number of births to women enrolled in Medicaid;
(ii) High rates of infant mortality;
(iii) High rates of preterm births; and
(iv) High rates of infants with low birthweight; and
(2) Demonstrates that the program will be coordinated with community–based service providers.
(c) Priority on awarding grants under § 24–1506 of this subtitle shall be given to proposals from federally qualified health centers, hospitals, or providers of prenatal care that propose to serve communities that have:
(1) A high number of births to women enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program;
(2) High rates of infant mortality;
(3) High rates of preterm births; and
(4) High rates of infants with low birthweight.
Structure Maryland Statutes