SEC. 37-33-261. Funding.

(1) Such assessments as are collected under subsections (1) and (2) of Section 99-19-73, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall be deposited in a special fund that is created in the State Treasury and designated the Spinal Cord and Head Injury Trust Fund. Monies deposited in the fund shall be expended beginning in Fiscal Year 1997 by the Department of Rehabilitation Services as authorized and appropriated by the Legislature for the following purposes:

Providing the cost of care for spinal cord and head injury as a payer of last resort to residents of the State of Mississippi for a multilevel program of rehabilitation as prescribed in Sections 37-33-251 through 37-33-259. Authorization of expenditures for spinal cord injury care and head injury care from this trust fund shall be made only by the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Authorized expenditures include acute care, rehabilitation, transitional living and equipment necessary for activities of daily living to accomplish a successful re-entry into the community. Such activities would focus on expanding the public's awareness of how spinal cord and head injuries occur and how they can be prevented and identifying advanced treatment and prevention techniques.

(2) The department shall issue a report to the Legislature and the Governor by January 1 of each year, summarizing the activities supported by the trust fund.

SOURCES: Laws, 1996, ch. 505, Sec. 6, eff from and after July 1, 1996

1997 Amendment:

Section 37-33-261, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

37-33-261. (1) Such assessments as are collected under subsections (1) and (2) of Section 99-19-73, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall be deposited in a special fund that is created in the State Treasury and designated the Spinal Cord and Head Injury Trust Fund. Monies deposited in the fund shall be expended beginning in Fiscal Year 1997 by the Department of Rehabilitation Services as authorized and appropriated by the Legislature for the following purposes:

Providing the cost of care for spinal cord and traumatic brain injury as a payer of last resort to residents of the State of Mississippi for a multilevel program of rehabilitation as prescribed in Sections 37-33-251 through 37-33-259. Authorization of expenditures for spinal cord injury care and traumatic brain injury care from this trust fund shall be made only by the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Authorized expenditures shall include three (3) or more of the following forms of assistance: acute care; rehabilitation; transitional living; assistive technology services, devices and equipment; respite care; transportation; housing; home modifications; and other services and/or assistance as deemed appropriate by the advisory council for individuals with spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries * * * to accomplish a successful re-entry into the community. Such activities * * * may also include expanding the public's awareness of how spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries occur and how they can be prevented and identifying advanced treatment and prevention techniques. Other authorized expenditures may include costs associated with salary and other support costs for personnel sufficient to carry out the program or to subcontract all or part of the authorized services, and to pay the travel and meeting expenses of the advisory council.

(2) The department shall issue a report to the Legislature and the Governor by January 1 of each year, summarizing the activities supported by the trust fund.

SOURCE: 1997 Laws, Chapter 491, Sec. 6, SB2700, Effective July 1, 1997.