TO CREATE AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO CERTAIN RURAL HOSPITAL ORGANIZATIONS; AND TO CREATE THE HELPING ENHANCE ACCESS TO RURAL TREATMENT (HEART) ACT.

HB 1674, the HEART Act, would create an income tax credit for Arkansans who donate to qualifying rural hospitals. The credit would cover 100% of donations by individuals and up to 75% of donations by corporations. To qualify, hospitals must be located in rural counties (population under 50,000), participate in Medicaid and Medicare, provide charity care, and meet specific financial and operational criteria. The Department of Health would manage the program, maintain a list of approved hospitals, and require hospitals to use funds for healthcare services in rural communities.