(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.