FUNDING

(a) The Commission on State Emergency Communications shall establish a program to award grants to fund the regional poison control centers. (b) The Commission on State Emergency Communications shall adopt rules to establish criteria for awarding the grants. The rules must require the agency to consider: (1) the need of the region based on population served for poison control services and the extent to which the grant would meet the identified need; (2) the assurance of providing quality services; (3) the availability of other funding sources; (4) achieving or maintaining certification as a poison control center with the American Association of Poison Control Centers; (5) maintenance of effort; and (6) the development or existence of telecommunications systems. (c) The Commission on State Emergency Communications may approve grants according to commission rules. A grant awarded under this section is governed by Chapter 783, Government Code, and the rules adopted under that chapter. (d) The Commission on State Emergency Communications may accept gifts or grants from any source for purposes of this chapter.