(1) The department shall establish the Washington rural health system project to provide financial and technical assistance to participants. The goal of the project is to help assure access to affordable health care services to citizens in the rural areas of Washington state.

(2) Administrative costs necessary to implement this project shall be kept at a minimum to insure the maximum availability of funds for participants.

(3) The secretary may contract with third parties for services necessary to carry out activities to implement this chapter where this will promote economy, avoid duplication of effort, and make the best use of available expertise.

(4) The secretary may apply for, receive, and accept gifts and other payments, including property and service, from any governmental or other public or private entity or person, and may make arrangements as to the use of these receipts, including the undertaking of special studies and other projects related to the delivery of health care in rural areas.

(5) In designing and implementing the project the secretary shall consider the report of the Washington rural health care commission established under chapter 207, Laws of 1988. Nothing in this chapter requires the secretary to follow any specific recommendation contained in that report except as it may also be included in this chapter.

Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.