Veterans, to establish and operate a statewide integrated health care system dedicated to Alabama veterans and their immediate family members

This bill authorizes the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs to create and run a statewide integrated health care system for Alabama veterans and their immediate family members. The new system would combine in-patient facilities and outpatient clinics to deliver primary care, behavioral health services, and social support. To make this happen, the department is given broad powers to manage funds, acquire property, hire staff, and enter into contracts without following standard competitive bidding rules. The law also allows the department to borrow money and invest funds to support the development and operation of these health services, which are set to begin on October 1, 2024.