(a) Any entity that seeks to administer the program in a community pursuant to any competitive bidding process shall submit an application to the department. At a minimum, the application shall specify the basic elements and procedures that the entity shall use in administering the program. Basic program elements shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) The specific training to be received by each nurse employed by the entity to provide home nursing services through the program;(2) The protocols to be followed by the entity in administering the program;(3) The management information system to be used by the entity in administering the program;(4) The reporting and evaluation system to be used by the entity in measuring the effectiveness of the program in assisting low-income, first-time mothers; and(5) An annual report to both the health care and services facility and the community in which the entity administers the program that reports on the effectiveness within the community and is written in a manner that is understandable for both the health care and services facility and members of the community.(b) Any program application submitted pursuant to this section shall demonstrate strong, bipartisan public support for and a long-term commitment to operation of the program in the community.(c) The department shall initially review any applications received pursuant to this section and submit to the health care and services facility for review those applications that include the basic program elements. Following its review, the health care and services facility shall submit to the department the name of the entity or entities that the health care and services facility recommends to administer the program.
