This bill creates a new statutory section in chapter 43.70 RCW to establish a matching grant program, subject to available appropriations, to help critical access hospitals hire licensed athletic trainers whose services are to be provided free to students in local school districts. The department named in the section (not identified in the extracted text) must administer the program, may adopt rules to implement it, and may award matching funds of up to $60,000 per eligible hospital. Grant money may only be used for athletic trainer salaries, medical supplies and equipment, and education and marketing to promote program awareness. Eligible hospitals must apply and document, as specified by the department, the school districts to be served, the need for expanded access, how grant funds will be spent, and the hospital’s ability to provide matching funds equal to the amount requested. A hospital that receives a grant is ineligible for another grant for 12 months after receiving the prior award. By June 1, 2026, the department must report to the legislature’s relevant policy and fiscal committees on the status of program implementation under RCW 43.01.036. The text references the definition of “critical access hospital” by cross-reference to RCW 74.09.5225. Important details not included in the extracted facts are the identity of “the department,” the total appropriation for the program, the department’s specific application criteria and documentation format, and any detailed rule or administrative procedures.

If enacted, the state would set up a matching grant program that lets qualifying critical access hospitals receive up to $60,000 each to help hire a licensed athletic trainer who would provide free services to students in nearby school districts. Hospitals would need to put up matching money, document which districts and needs they will serve and how they will spend the grant (limited to trainer salaries, medical supplies and equipment, and outreach), and could not get another grant for 12 months after receiving one; the program only proceeds if the Legislature provides money for it. The practical winners are rural critical access hospitals that can expand school-based athletic care and athletic trainers who may gain funded positions; school districts and students could get more free on-site care. The hospitals will face added costs and administrative work to provide matching funds and meet application and reporting requirements, and the state department named to run the program (not specified in the excerpt) must set rules, application details, and report back by June 1, 2026. Key details remain unclear, including which department runs it, the total money available, and the exact application criteria.