§16-33-4. Grants to approved organizations.

(a) The director shall make grants, within the amounts appropriated, to approved organizations for the provision of services relating to the screening and detection of breast and cervical cancer as part of this program. Such services shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Promotion and provision of early detection of breast and cervical cancer, clinical examinations, including pap testing and mammography and breast self-examination;

(2) Provision of counseling and information on treatment alternatives and referral for appropriate medical treatment;

(3) Dissemination of information to unserved and underserved populations, to the general public and to health care professionals concerning breast and cervical cancer, the benefits of early detection and treatment and the availability of breast and cervical cancer screening services;

(4) Identification of local breast and cervical cancer screening services within the approved organization's region; and

(5) Provision of information, counseling and referral services to individuals diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer.

(b) (1) The director shall give notice and provide opportunity for organizations to submit applications to provide breast and cervical cancer detection and education programs. In order to be considered for a grant to provide breast and cervical cancer detection and education programs, applicants must show evidence of the following:

(A) Ability to provide and to ensure consistent and quality breast and cervical cancer detection services;

(B) Expertise in breast and cervical cancer detection and treatment;

(C) Capacity to collaborate and coordinate services with physicians, hospitals and other appropriate local institutions or agencies;

(D) Ability to provide breast and cervical cancer detection and education services to unserved or underserved populations; and

(E) Ability to implement a breast and cervical cancer detection and education program in accordance with national organization standards of high quality, as described in subsection (c) of this section.

(2) Applications shall be made on forms provided by the director for approval of grants to provide breast and cervical cancer detection and education programs by organizations, including, but not limited to:

(A) Local boards of health organized under articles two and two-a of this chapter;

(B) Licensed health care facilities, including the public and private sector;

(C) Any combination of the above; and

(D) Organizations with program expertise in cancer related issues.

(c) In evaluating applications the director shall consult the most recent medical practice and procedures in breast and cervical cancer detection and education standards for breast and cervical cancer detection and education programs of organizations with national recognition for expertise in breast and cervical cancer detection and treatment with the objective to ensure the following:

(1) Integration linkage and consultation with approved organizations, health care facilities and providers;

(2) Maximization of third-party reimbursement; and

(3) Provision of services to unserved or underserved populations.