Virginia Law

A. The MCH Services Block Grant has, as its general purpose, the improvement of the health of all mothers and children in the nation consistent with the applicable health status goals and national health objectives established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The funds enable each state to:

1. Provide and assure mothers and children (in particular those with low income or with limited availability of health services) access to quality maternal and child health services;

2. Reduce infant mortality and the incidence of preventable diseases and handicapping conditions among children;

3. Provide rehabilitative services for blind and disabled individuals under the age of 16 years receiving benefits under Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income), to the extent medical assistance for such services is not provided under Title XIX (Medicaid); and

4. Provide and promote family-centered, community-based, coordinated care for children with special health care needs and to facilitate the development of community-based systems of service for such children and their families.

B. Federal requirements prohibit MCH Services Block Grant funds from being used for the following purposes:

1. Purchase of major medical equipment.

2. Cash payments to intended recipients of health services.

3. Purchase or improvement of land; the purchase, construction or permanent improvement of any building or other facility (other that minor remodeling).

4. Providing funds for research or training to any entity other than a public or nonprofit private entity.

5. Satisfying any requirement for the expenditure of nonfederal funds as a condition for the receipt of federal funds. Further, federal funds from other block grants (e.g., preventive health) may be transferred into the MCH Services Block Grant Program by states, but MCH Block Grant funds may not be transferred to any other program.

C. For funding received from other federal sources, the department is required to comply with the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87, "Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments" as published in 67 FR 52558.