(a) (1) To the extent that funds are appropriated for this purpose in the annual Budget Act, the department may award grants to regional collaboratives for the creation of regional nursing simulation laboratories that will allow additional nursing students to have access to clinical educational facilities. No single grant made under this section may exceed two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).
(2) During the 2005–06 fiscal year, all grants made under this section shall be made for the creation of regional nursing simulation laboratories that serve rural areas.
(b) The department shall administer grants made under this section, and shall establish procedures and criteria for the awarding of those grants.