(1) Requests for a temporary substitute health care professional may be made to the department by the certified health plan, local rural hospital, public health department or district, community health clinic, local practicing physician, physician assistant, pharmacist, or advanced registered nurse practitioner, or local city or county government.

(2) The department may provide directly or contract for services to:

(a) Establish a manner and form for receiving requests;

(b) Minimize paperwork and compliance requirements for participant health care professionals and entities requesting assistance; and

(c) Respond promptly to all requests for assistance.

(3) The department may apply for, receive, and accept gifts and other payments, including property and services, from any governmental or other public or private entity or person, and may make arrangements as to the use of these receipts to operate the pool. The department shall make available upon request to the appropriate legislative committees information concerning the source, amount, and use of such gifts or payments.