31-2A-36. Criteria for grant consideration.

In order to be considered for a grant under this article, each direct client service provider shall:#

1. (1)

   Be a nonprofit organization incorporated in this state with a tax-exempt status pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;#

2. (2)

   Have a primary mission of promoting healthy pregnancy and childbirth;#

3. (3)

   Have a system of financial accountability consistent with generally accepted accounting principles, including an annual budget;#

4. (4)

   Have a board that hires and supervises a director who manages the organization’s operations;#

5. (5)

   Have provided pregnancy support services for a minimum of one year;#

6. (6)

   Offer, at a minimum, pregnancy tests and counseling for women who are or may be experiencing unplanned pregnancies;#

7. (7)

   Provide confidential and free pregnancy support services;#

8. (8)

   Provide each pregnant client with accurate information on the developmental characteristics of babies and of unborn children, including offering the printed materials described in Code Section 31-9A-4 on fetal development and assistance available following a birth;#

9. (9)

   Ensure that grant money is not used to encourage or affirmatively counsel a client to have an abortion unless the client’s attending physician diagnoses a condition which makes such abortion necessary to prevent her death; to provide her an abortion; or to directly refer her to an abortion provider for an abortion; and#

10. (10)

    Maintain confidentiality of all data, files, and records of clients related to the services provided and in compliance with state and federal laws.#

The department shall publish the direct client service provider criteria on its website.#