Section § 32121

Explanation

This law outlines the various powers and responsibilities of local health care districts. They can hold and manage property, use eminent domain to acquire property, establish trusts, and hire legal and professional staff. Districts can also operate health facilities, provide ambulance services, and support free clinics and other healthcare services. Additionally, they can partner with corporations or nonprofits to manage assets, with detailed rules about asset transfers to ensure community benefits. Districts must follow specific procedures for transferring significant assets, including community input and voter approval for large transfers.

The district can also engage in healthcare finance activities like managing insurance and credit arrangements, establish and participate in health plans, and offer self-pay healthcare coverage to staff and dependents. All activities must comply with existing legal regulations and restrictions.

Each local district shall have and may exercise the following powers:
(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(a) To have and use a corporate seal and alter it at its pleasure.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(b) To sue and be sued in all courts and places and in all actions and proceedings whatever.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(c) To purchase, receive, have, take, hold, lease, use, and enjoy property of every kind and description within and without the limits of the district, and to control, dispose of, convey, and encumber the same and create a leasehold interest in the same for the benefit of the district.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(d) To exercise the right of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring real or personal property of every kind necessary to the exercise of any of the powers of the district.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(e) To establish one or more trusts for the benefit of the district, to administer any trust declared or created for the benefit of the district, to designate one or more trustees for trusts created by the district, to receive by gift, devise, or bequest, and hold in trust or otherwise, property, including corporate securities of all kinds, situated in this state or elsewhere, and where not otherwise provided, dispose of the same for the benefit of the district.
(f)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(f) To employ legal counsel to advise the board of directors in all matters pertaining to the business of the district, to perform the functions in respect to the legal affairs of the district as the board may direct, and to call upon the district attorney of the county in which the greater part of the land in the district is situated for legal advice and assistance in all matters concerning the district, except that if that county has a county counsel, the directors may call upon the county counsel for legal advice and assistance.
(g)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(g) To employ any officers and employees, including architects and consultants, the board of directors deems necessary to carry on properly the business of the district.
(h)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(h) To prescribe the duties and powers of the health care facility administrator, secretary, and other officers and employees of any health care facilities of the district, to establish offices as may be appropriate and to appoint board members or employees to those offices, and to determine the number of, and appoint, all officers and employees and to fix their compensation. The officers and employees shall hold their offices or positions at the pleasure of the boards of directors.
(i)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(i) To do any and all things that an individual might do that are necessary for, and to the advantage of, a health care facility and a nurses’ training school, or a child care facility for the benefit of employees of the health care facility or residents of the district.
(j)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(j) To establish, maintain, and operate, or provide assistance in the operation of, one or more health facilities or health services, including, but not limited to, outpatient programs, services, and facilities; retirement programs, services, and facilities; chemical dependency programs, services, and facilities; or other health care programs, services, and facilities and activities at any location within or without the district for the benefit of the district and the people served by the district.
“Health care facilities,” as used in this subdivision, means those facilities defined in subdivision (b) of Section 32000.1 and specifically includes freestanding chemical dependency recovery units. “Health facilities,” as used in this subdivision, may also include those facilities defined in subdivision (d) of Section 15432 of the Government Code.
(k)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(k) To do any and all other acts and things necessary to carry out this division.
(l)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(l) To acquire, maintain, and operate ambulances or ambulance services within and without the district.
(m)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(m) To establish, maintain, and operate, or provide assistance in the operation of, free clinics, diagnostic and testing centers, health education programs, wellness and prevention programs, rehabilitation, aftercare, and any other health care services provider, groups, and organizations that are necessary for the maintenance of good physical and mental health in the communities served by the district.
(n)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(n) To establish and operate in cooperation with its medical staff a coinsurance plan between the hospital district and the members of its attending medical staff.
(o)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(o) To establish, maintain, and carry on its activities through one or more corporations, joint ventures, or partnerships for the benefit of the health care district.
(p)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)
(1)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(1) To transfer, at fair market value, any part of its assets to one or more corporations to operate and maintain the assets. A transfer pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed to be at fair market value if an independent consultant, with expertise in methods of appraisal and valuation and in accordance with applicable governmental and industry standards for appraisal and valuation, determines that fair and reasonable consideration is to be received by the district for the transferred district assets. Before the district transfers, pursuant to this paragraph, 50 percent or more of the district’s assets to one or more corporations, in sum or by increment, the elected board shall, by resolution, submit to the voters of the district a measure proposing the transfer. The measure shall be placed on the ballot of a special election held upon the request of the district or the ballot of the next regularly scheduled election occurring at least 88 days after the resolution of the board. If a majority of the voters voting on the measure vote in its favor, the transfer shall be approved. The campaign disclosure requirements applicable to local measures provided under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 84100) of Title 9 of the Government Code shall apply to this election.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2) To transfer, for the benefit of the communities served by the district, in the absence of adequate consideration, any part of the assets of the district, including, without limitation, real property, equipment, and other fixed assets, current assets, and cash, relating to the operation of the district’s health care facilities to one or more nonprofit corporations to operate and maintain the assets.
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(A) A transfer of 50 percent or more of the district’s assets, in sum or by increment, pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed to be for the benefit of the communities served by the district only if all of the following occur:
(i)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(A)(i) The transfer agreement and all arrangements necessary thereto are fully discussed in advance of the district board decision to transfer the assets of the district in at least five properly noticed open and public meetings in compliance with Section 32106 and the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).
(ii)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(A)(ii) The transfer agreement provides that the hospital district shall approve all initial board members of the nonprofit corporation and any subsequent board members as may be specified in the transfer agreement.
(iii)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(A)(iii) The transfer agreement provides that all assets transferred to the nonprofit corporation, and all assets accumulated by the corporation during the term of the transfer agreement arising out of, or from, the operation of the transferred assets, are to be transferred back to the district upon termination of the transfer agreement, including any extension of the transfer agreement.
(iv)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(A)(iv) The transfer agreement commits the nonprofit corporation to operate and maintain the district’s health care facilities and its assets for the benefit of the communities served by the district.
(v)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(A)(v) The transfer agreement requires that any funds received from the district at the outset of the agreement or any time thereafter during the term of the agreement be used only to reduce district indebtedness, to acquire needed equipment for the district health care facilities, to operate, maintain, and make needed capital improvements to the district’s health care facilities, to provide supplemental health care services or facilities for the communities served by the district, or to conduct other activities that would further a valid public purpose if undertaken directly by the district.
(vi)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(A)(vi) The transfer agreement includes the appraised fair market value, from an independent consultant with expertise in methods of appraisal and valuation and in accordance with applicable governmental and industry standards for appraisal and valuation, of any asset transferred pursuant to this paragraph.
(vii)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(A)(vii) The appraisal that is used to determine the fair market value that is included within the transfer agreement is performed within the six months preceding the date on which the district approves the transfer agreement.
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(B) A transfer of 10 percent or more but less than 50 percent of the district’s assets, in sum or by increment, pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed to be for the benefit of the communities served by the district only if both of the following occur:
(i)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(B)(i) The transfer agreement and all arrangements necessary thereto are fully discussed in advance of the district board decision to transfer the assets of the district in at least two properly noticed open and public meetings in compliance with Section 32106 and the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).
(ii)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(B)(ii) The transfer agreement meets all of the requirements of clauses (iii) to (v), inclusive, of subparagraph (A).
(C)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(C) Before the district transfers, pursuant to this paragraph, 50 percent or more of the district’s assets to one or more nonprofit corporations, in sum or by increment, the elected board shall, by resolution, submit to the voters of the district a measure proposing the transfer. The resolution shall identify the asset proposed to be transferred, its appraised fair market value, and the full consideration that the district is to receive in exchange for the transfer. The appraisal shall be performed by an independent consultant with expertise in methods of appraisal and valuation and in accordance with applicable governmental and industry standards for appraisal and valuation within the six months preceding the date on which the district approves the resolution. The measure shall be placed on the ballot of a special election held upon the request of the district or the ballot of the next regularly scheduled election occurring at least 88 days after the resolution of the board. If a majority of the voters voting on the measure vote in its favor, the transfer shall be approved. The campaign disclosure requirements applicable to local measures provided under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 84100) of Title 9 of the Government Code shall apply to this election.
(D)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(2)(D) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph, a hospital district shall not transfer any portion of its assets to a private nonprofit organization that is owned or controlled by a religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination in the absence of adequate consideration.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(3) If the district board has previously transferred less than 50 percent of the district’s assets pursuant to this subdivision, before any additional assets are transferred, the board shall hold a public hearing and shall make a public determination that the additional assets to be transferred will not, in combination with any assets previously transferred, equal 50 percent or more of the total assets of the district.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(4) The amendments to this subdivision made during the 1991–92 Regular Session, the amendments made to this subdivision and to Section 32126 made during the 1993–94 Regular Session, and the amendments made to this subdivision during the 2011–12 Regular Session, shall only apply to transfers made on or after the effective dates of the acts amending this subdivision. The amendments to this subdivision made during those sessions shall not apply to either of the following:
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(4)(A) A district that has discussed and adopted a board resolution prior to September 1, 1992, that authorizes the development of a business plan for an integrated delivery system.
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(4)(B) A lease agreement, transfer agreement, or both between a district and a nonprofit corporation that were in full force and effect as of September 1, 1992, for as long as that lease agreement, transfer agreement, or both remain in full force and effect.
(5)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), if substantial amendments are proposed to be made to a transfer agreement described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (4), the amendments shall be fully discussed in advance of the district board’s decision to adopt the amendments in at least two properly noticed open and public meetings in compliance with Section 32106 and the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).
(6)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(6) Notwithstanding paragraphs (4) and (5), a transfer agreement described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (4) that provided for the transfer of less than 50 percent of a district’s assets shall be subject to the requirements of this subdivision when subsequent amendments to that transfer agreement would result in the transfer, in sum or by increment, of 50 percent or more of a district’s assets to the nonprofit corporation.
(7)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(7) For purposes of this subdivision, a “transfer” means the transfer of ownership of the assets of a district. A lease of the real property or the tangible personal property of a district shall not be subject to this subdivision except as specified in Section 32121.4 and as required under Section 32126.
(8)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(8) Districts that request a special election pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) shall reimburse counties for the costs of that special election as prescribed pursuant to Section 10520 of the Elections Code.
(9)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(9)
(A)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(9)(A) Nothing in this section, including subdivision (j), shall be construed to permit a local district to obtain or be issued a single consolidated license to operate a separate physical plant as a skilled nursing facility or an intermediate care facility that is not located within the boundaries of the district.
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(9)(A)(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), Eastern Plumas Health Care District may obtain and be issued a single consolidated license to operate a separate physical plant as a skilled nursing facility or an intermediate care facility that is located on the campus of the Sierra Valley District Hospital. This subparagraph shall have no application to any other district and is intended only to address the urgent need to preserve skilled nursing or intermediate care services within the rural County of Sierra.
(C)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(9)(A)(C) Subparagraph (B) shall only remain operative until the Sierra Valley District Hospital is annexed by the Eastern Plumas Health Care District. In no event shall the Eastern Plumas Health Care District increase the number of licensed beds at the Sierra Valley District Hospital during the operative period of subparagraph (B).
(10)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(10) A transfer of any of the assets of a district to one or more nonprofit corporations to operate and maintain the assets shall not be required to meet paragraphs (1) to (9), inclusive, of this subdivision if all of the following conditions apply at the time of the transfer:
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(10)(A) The district has entered into a loan that is insured by the State of California under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 129000) of Part 6 of Division 107.
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(10)(B) The district is in default of its loan obligations, as determined by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.
(C)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(10)(C) The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development and the district, in their best judgment, agree that the transfer of some or all of the assets of the district to a nonprofit corporation or corporations is necessary to cure the default, and will obviate the need for foreclosure. This cure of default provision shall be applicable prior to the office foreclosing on district hospital assets. After the office has foreclosed on district hospital assets, or otherwise taken possession in accordance with law, the office may exercise all of its powers to deal with and dispose of hospital property.
(D)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(10)(D) The transfer and all arrangements necessary thereto are discussed in advance of the transfer in at least one properly noticed open and public meeting in compliance with Section 32106 and the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code). The meeting referred to in this paragraph shall be noticed and held within 90 days of notice in writing to the district by the office of an event of default. If the meeting is not held within this 90-day period, the district shall be deemed to have waived this requirement to have a meeting.
(11)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(11) If a transfer under paragraph (10) is a lease, the lease shall provide that the assets shall revert to the district at the conclusion of the leasehold interest. If the transfer is a sale, the proceeds shall be used first to retire the obligation insured by the office, then to retire any other debts of the district. After providing for debts, any remaining funds shall revert to the district.
(12)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(p)(12) A health care district shall report to the Attorney General, within 30 days of any transfer of district assets to one or more nonprofit or for-profit corporations, the type of transaction and the entity to whom the assets were transferred or leased.
(q)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(q) To contract for bond insurance, letters of credit, remarketing services, and other forms of credit enhancement and liquidity support for its bonds, notes, and other indebtedness and to enter into reimbursement agreements, monitoring agreements, remarketing agreements, and similar ancillary contracts in connection therewith.
(r)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(r) To establish, maintain, operate, participate in, or manage capitated health care service plans, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, and other managed health care systems and programs properly licensed by the Department of Insurance or the Department of Managed Care, at any location within or without the district for the benefit of residents of communities served by the district. However, that activity shall not be deemed to result in, or constitute, the giving or lending of the district’s credit, assets, surpluses, cash, or tangible goods to, or in aid of, any person, association, or corporation in violation of Section 6 of Article XVI of the California Constitution.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize activities that corporations and other artificial legal entities are prohibited from conducting by Section 2400 of the Business and Professions Code.
Any agreement to provide health care coverage that is a health care service plan, as defined in subdivision (f) of Section 1345, shall be subject to Chapter 2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2, unless exempted pursuant to Section 1343 or 1349.2.
A district shall not provide health care coverage for any employee of an employer operating within the communities served by the district, unless the Legislature specifically authorizes, or has authorized in this section or elsewhere, the coverage.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any district to contribute its facilities to any joint venture that could result in transfer of the facilities from district ownership.
(s)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121(s) To provide health care coverage to members of the district’s medical staff, employees of the medical staff members, and the dependents of both groups, on a self-pay basis.

Section § 32121.1

Explanation

This law says that the board of directors of a local hospital district can give the authority to their administrator to hire and fire staff needed to run the hospital. However, this power is always subject to the board's control and approval.

By resolution, the board of directors of a local hospital district may delegate to its administrator the power to employ (subject to the pleasure of the board of directors), and discharge, such subordinate officers and employees as are necessary for the purpose of carrying on the normal functions of any hospital operated by the district.

Section § 32121.2

Explanation

This section allows the board of directors of a local hospital district to decide how to sell or donate any extra property the district no longer needs. They can sell it at fair market value or give it away or sell it for less to another local hospital district in California.

Except as provided in this section, by resolution, the board of directors of a local hospital district may authorize the disposition of any surplus property of the district at fair market value by any method determined appropriate by the board.
The board of directors of a local hospital district may donate or sell, at less than fair market value, any surplus property to another local hospital district in California.

Section § 32121.3

Explanation

This law allows hospital districts and related nonprofits to create incentives for doctors to practice in their communities, which can include guaranteeing a minimum income, assisting with equipment purchasing, offering reduced office rent, and other incentives. These incentives are meant to support community health but must be fair and agreed upon. However, contracts cannot require doctors to admit a certain number of patients to specific hospitals or limit their ability to work with other entities. Additionally, doctors can't be paid for patient referrals to these hospitals. Any inducement offered must be repaid with interest, as stated in the contract, and cannot involve patient referral incentives.

Lastly, if there's a conflict with another specific law (Section 650 of the Business and Professions Code), that law will take precedence. The Legislature emphasizes the need for these measures to ensure community health and access to qualified medical professionals.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a hospital district, or any affiliated nonprofit corporation upon a finding by the board of directors of the district that it will be in the best interests of the public health of the communities served by the district and in order to obtain a licensed physician and surgeon to practice in the communities served by the district, may do any of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(a)(1)  Guarantee to a physician and surgeon a minimum income for a period of no more than three years from the opening of the physician and surgeon’s practice.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(a)(2)  Guarantee purchases of necessary equipment by the physician and surgeon.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(a)(3)  Provide reduced rental rates of office space in any building owned or leased by the district or any of its affiliated entities, or subsidize rental payments for office space in any other buildings, for a term of no more than three years.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(a)(4)  Provide other incentives to a physician and surgeon in exchange for consideration and upon terms and conditions the hospital district’s board of directors deems reasonable and appropriate.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(b)  Any provision in a contract between a physician and surgeon and a hospital district or affiliated nonprofit corporation is void which does any of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(b)(1)  Imposes as a condition any requirement that the patients of the physician and surgeon, or a quota of the patients of the physician and surgeon, only be admitted to a specified hospital.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(b)(2)  Restricts the physician and surgeon from establishing staff privileges at, referring patients to, or generating business for another entity.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(b)(3)  Provides payment or other consideration to the physician and surgeon for the physician and surgeon’s referral of patients to the district hospital or an affiliated nonprofit corporation.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(c)  Contracts between a physician and surgeon and a hospital district or affiliated nonprofit corporation that provide an inducement for the physician and surgeon to practice in the community served by the district hospital shall contain both of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(c)(1)  A provision which requires the inducement to be repaid with interest if the inducement is repayable.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(c)(2)  A provision which states that no payment or other consideration shall be made for the referral of patients to the district hospital or an affiliated nonprofit corporation.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(d)  To the extent that this section conflicts with Section 650 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 650 of the Business and Professions Code shall supersede this section.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.3(e)  The Legislature finds that this section is necessary to assist district hospitals to attract qualified physicians and surgeons to practice in the communities served by these hospitals, and that the health and welfare of the residents in these communities require these provisions.

Section § 32121.4

Explanation

This law allows a hospital district in California to lease and operate the facilities of another hospital district, or vice versa, to improve their offerings. However, there are specific conditions: the lease cannot last more than 30 years, the lessee can't use the lessor's credit for improvements, and the lessor must ensure its financial stability isn't threatened by the deal. The law also clarifies that these lease deals don't affect contracts for inpatient services under the Medi-Cal program. Additionally, if a lease involves transferring 50% or more of the district's assets to a nonprofit, it must follow further requirements outlined in a different section.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a hospital district or any affiliated nonprofit corporation, upon a finding by the board of directors of the district that it will be in the best interests of the district to provide additional diversification of facilities, may lease and operate the realty, facilities, and business of another hospital district in California, or create a leasehold interest in its own realty, improvements, and business in favor of another hospital district, if all of the following apply:
(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.4(a)  That the lease when taken together with any extensions of the lease shall not exceed a total of 30 years.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.4(b)  That the lessee district shall not finance any capital improvements through the use of the lessor district’s credit.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.4(c)  That the lessor district shall have successfully completed any feasibility studies required by its board of directors as will reasonably ensure that the lessor hospital’s financial stability will not be endangered by the lease transaction.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.4(d)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to impair or limit the authority of the California Medical Assistance Commission to contract for the provision of inpatient hospital services under the Medi-Cal program with local hospital district hospitals as sole distinct entities, even though one or more hospital districts may have entered into leasehold or joint-venture arrangements.
Any lease made pursuant to this section to one or more nonprofit corporations affiliated with a district, that is part of or contingent upon a transfer of 50 percent or more of the district’s assets, in sum or by increment, to the affiliated nonprofit corporation shall be subject to the requirements of subdivision (p) of Section 32121.

Section § 32121.5

Explanation

This law allows health care districts to hire hospital administrators with contracts lasting up to four years. These contracts can be renewed for additional terms of up to four years. However, for contracts made or renewed after January 1, 2014, hospital administrators, including those serving as CEOs, cannot receive retirement benefits until they actually retire.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.5(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, a health care district may enter into a contract of employment with a hospital administrator, including a hospital administrator who is designated as chief executive officer, the duration of which shall not exceed four years, but which may periodically be renewed for a term of not more than four years.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.5(b) A contract entered into, or renewed, on or after January 1, 2014, shall not authorize retirement plan benefits to be paid to a hospital administrator, including a hospital administrator who is designated as chief executive officer, prior to his or her retirement.

Section § 32121.6

Explanation

If a healthcare district in California hires a hospital administrator or CEO, their job contract must clearly detail all important terms. This includes salary, retirement plans, any pay after leaving, vacation and sick leave, and any other benefits that are different from those offered to other full-time employees.

If a health care district enters into a written employment agreement with a hospital administrator, including a hospital administrator who is designated as a chief executive officer, the written employment agreement shall include all material terms and conditions agreed to between the district and the hospital administrator regarding compensation, deferred compensation, retirement benefits, severance or continuing compensation after termination of the agreement, vacation pay and other paid time off for illness or personal reasons, and other employment benefits that differ from those available to other full-time employees.

Section § 32121.7

Explanation

This section is about rules for transferring assets from El Camino Hospital, a nonprofit corporation. If El Camino Hospital wants to transfer 50% or more of its assets, the decision must be approved by voters in a special election. Transfers of smaller percentages of assets have specific conditions and require public board meetings before approval. A unique rule applies if transferring assets to entities controlled by religious organizations; it must be done for fair value. Public hearings are also required if the board plans multiple transfers that total 50% or more of the hospital's assets.

A "transfer" refers to changing ownership of the hospital's assets, not leasing property. Certain legal processes remain unchanged by this section, such as duties under the Corporations Code and compliance with nonprofit rules. The community served by the hospital must benefit from any asset transfers, and several conditions must be met to ensure this.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the transfer of assets by El Camino Hospital, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation (“El Camino Hospital-Corporation”) that owns and operates El Camino Hospital, located in the City of Mountain View, pursuant to a transfer and ground lease from the El Camino Hospital District pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 32121, is subject to this section.
(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(a)  Before El Camino Hospital-Corporation transfers 50 percent or more of its assets, at fair market value, to one or more corporations, trusts, associations, partnerships, limited liability companies, or other entities or persons, in sum or by increment, the Board of Directors of El Camino Hospital District shall, by resolution, submit to the voters of the El Camino Hospital District a measure proposing the transfer. The measure shall be placed on the ballot of the special election held upon the request of the El Camino Hospital District or the ballot of the next regularly scheduled election occurring at least 88 days after the resolution of the Board of El Camino Hospital District. If a majority of the voters voting on the measure vote in favor, the transfer shall be approved. The campaign disclosure requirements applicable to local measures provided under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 84100) of Title 9 of the Government Code shall apply to this election.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)  El Camino Hospital-Corporation may transfer, for the benefit of the community served by the El Camino Hospital District, in the absence of adequate consideration, any part of the assets of El Camino Hospital-Corporation, including without limitation, the El Camino Hospital, the real property, equipment and other fixed assets, current assets, and cash, relating to the operation of El Camino Hospital to one or more nonprofit corporations, trusts, or associations to operate and maintain the assets.
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(1)  Any transfer of 50 percent or more of El Camino Hospital-Corporation’s assets in sum or by increment, pursuant to this subdivision shall be deemed to be for the benefit of the community served by the El Camino Hospital District only if all of the following occur:
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(1)(A)  The transfer agreement and all arrangements necessary thereto are approved by the Board of Directors of El Camino Hospital District, and the agreement and arrangements are fully discussed in advance of the board’s decision to transfer the assets of El Camino Hospital-Corporation, in at least five properly noticed open and public meetings of the Board of Directors of El Camino Hospital District in compliance with Section 32106 and the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(1)(B)  The transfer agreement provides that the El Camino Hospital District shall approve all initial board members of the nonprofit corporation, trust, or association, and any subsequent board members as may be specified in the transfer agreement.
(C)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(1)(C)  The transfer agreement provides that all assets transferred to the nonprofit corporation, trust, or association, and all assets accumulated by the nonprofit corporation, trust, or association during the term of the transfer agreement arising out of or from the operation of the transferred assets shall be transferred back to the El Camino Hospital District upon termination of the transfer agreement, including any extension of the transfer agreement.
(D)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(1)(D)  The transfer agreement commits the nonprofit corporation, trust, or association to operate and maintain the assets of El Camino Hospital-Corporation for the benefit of the community served by the El Camino Hospital District.
(E)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(1)(E)  The transfer agreement requires that any funds received from the El Camino Hospital-Corporation at the outset of the agreement or any time thereafter during the term of the agreement be used only to reduce the El Camino Hospital-Corporation indebtedness, to acquire needed equipment for the El Camino Hospital-Corporation health care facilities, to operate, maintain, and make needed capital improvements to those health care facilities, to provide supplemental health care services or facilities for the communities served by the El Camino Hospital District, or to conduct other activities that would further a valid public purpose if undertaken directly by the El Camino Hospital District.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(2)  A transfer of 33 percent or more but less than 50 percent of the El Camino Hospital-Corporation’s assets, in sum or by increment, pursuant to this subdivision shall be deemed to be for the benefit of the communities served by the El Camino Hospital District only if both of the following occur:
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(2)(A)  The transfer agreement and all arrangements necessary thereto are approved by the Board of Directors of El Camino Hospital District and the agreement and arrangements are fully discussed in advance of the board’s decision to transfer the assets of El Camino Hospital-Corporation in at least two properly noticed open and public meetings of the Board of Directors of El Camino Hospital District in compliance with Section 32106 and the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(2)(B)  The transfer agreement meets all of the requirements of subparagraphs (B) to (E), inclusive, of paragraph (1).
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(3)  A transfer of 10 percent or more but less than 33 percent of the El Camino Hospital-Corporation’s assets, in sum or by increment, pursuant to this subdivision shall be deemed to be for the benefit of the communities served by the El Camino Hospital District only if both of the following occur:
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(3)(A)  The transfer agreement and all arrangements necessary thereto are approved by the Board of Directors of El Camino Hospital District and the agreement and arrangements are fully discussed in advance of the board’s decision to transfer the assets of El Camino Hospital-Corporation in at least two properly noticed open and public meetings of the Board of Directors of El Camino Hospital District in compliance with Section 32106 and the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(3)(B)  The transfer agreement meets all of the requirements of subparagraphs (C) to (E), inclusive, of paragraph (1).
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(4)  Before El Camino Hospital-Corporation transfers, pursuant to this subdivision, 50 percent or more of its assets to one or more nonprofit corporations, trusts, or associations, in sum or by increment, the Board of Directors of El Camino Hospital District shall, by resolution, submit to the voters of the El Camino Hospital District a measure proposing the transfer. The measure shall be placed on the ballot of a special election held upon the request of El Camino Hospital District or the ballot of the next regularly scheduled election occurring at least 88 days after the resolution of the El Camino Hospital District. If a majority of the voters voting on the measure vote in its favor, the transfer shall be approved. The campaign disclosure requirements applicable to local measures provided under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 84100) of Title 9 of the Government Code shall apply to this election.
(5)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(b)(5)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this subdivision, El Camino Hospital-Corporation shall not transfer any portion of its assets to a private nonprofit corporation, trust, or association that is owned or controlled by a religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination in the absence of adequate consideration.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(c)  If the El Camino Hospital-Corporation board has previously transferred less than 50 percent of its assets pursuant to this subdivision, before any additional assets are transferred, the board shall hold a public hearing and shall make a public determination that the additional assets to be transferred will not, in combination with any assets previously transferred, equal 50 percent or more of the total assets.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(d)  For purposes of this section, a “transfer” means the transfer of ownership of the assets of El Camino Hospital-Corporation. A lease of the real property or the tangible personal property of El Camino Hospital District shall not be subject to this section except as required under Section 32121.4 or Section 32121.8.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(e)  If El Camino Hospital District requests a special election pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) it shall reimburse counties for the costs of that special election as prescribed pursuant to Section 10520 of the Elections Code.
(f)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(f)  The limitations set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b) shall not apply to any transfers, sales, leases, or other assignments of assets from El Camino Hospital-Corporation to El Camino Hospital District or entities controlled by El Camino Hospital District, provided that in the case of a transfer to an entity controlled by El Camino Hospital District, that entity shall continue to be governed by this section, imposing the same requirements on such entity as are imposed on El Camino Hospital-Corporation.
(g)CA Health & Safety Code § 32121.7(g)  Nothing in this section shall limit, modify, or otherwise alter the requirements imposed on El Camino Hospital-Corporation as a nonprofit corporation under the Corporations Code, including Attorney General notice and consent requirements if applicable.

Section § 32121.8

Explanation

El Camino Hospital-Corporation can lease out parts or all of El Camino Hospital to tenants to help run and maintain it, as long as these leases benefit the hospital district. If a lease involves running 50% or more of the hospital or includes transferring a significant portion of the corporation's assets, it must follow specific regulations. All leases must ensure tenants follow particular compliance rules, and such contracts cannot exceed 30 years if they cover the entire hospital or 10 years if they involve less than the entire hospital.

The El Camino Hospital-Corporation may provide for the operation and maintenance through tenants of the whole or any part of the El Camino Hospital, and for that purpose may enter into any lease agreement that it believes will best serve the interest of the El Camino Hospital District. A lease entered into with one or more corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies or other entities or persons for the operation of 50 percent or more of the El Camino Hospital, or that is part of or contingent upon a transfer of 50 percent or more of the El Camino Hospital-Corporation’s assets, in sum or by increment, as described in Section 32127.7 shall be subject to the requirements of Section 32121.7. Any lease for the operation of El Camino Hospital shall require the tenant or lessee to comply with Section 32128. No lease for the operation of the entire hospital shall run for a term in excess of 30 years. No lease for the operation of less than the entire hospital shall run for a term in excess of 10 years.

Section § 32121.9

Explanation

If a health district in California leases or transfers its assets to a corporation, it has to represent and support community interests. It must also report each year on how well the corporation is meeting the community's health needs.

A district that leases or transfers its assets to a corporation pursuant to this division, including, but not limited to, subdivision (p) of Section 32121 or Section 32126, shall act as an advocate for the community to the operating corporation. The district shall annually report to the community on the progress made in meeting the community’s health needs.

Section § 32122

Explanation

This law allows the board of directors to buy all the necessary surgical tools, hospital equipment, and supplies for nurses' homes, as well as any other items needed to fully equip a hospital and nurses' home.

The board of directors may purchase all necessary surgical instruments and hospital equipment and equipment for nurses’ homes and all other property necessary for equipping a hospital and nurses’ home.

Section § 32123

Explanation

The board of directors for a hospital can buy land, and then either build or rent buildings or rooms, and equip them as needed to support the hospital's operations.

The board of directors may purchase such real property, and erect or rent and equip such buildings or building, room or rooms as may be necessary for the hospital.

Section § 32124

Explanation

This law allows the board of directors of a hospital to set up a nursing school. They can design the curriculum and, once students finish the program, award them diplomas as graduate nurses.

The board of directors may establish a nurses’ training school in connection with the hospital, prescribe a course of study for such training and after the completion of the course, provide for the issuance of diplomas to graduate nurses.

Section § 32125

Explanation

In this section, the board of directors is responsible for running health care facilities owned or leased by the district to ensure public health. They set and enforce rules and regulations needed for managing these facilities and can decide on the conditions for patient admissions. They need to maintain minimum operational standards.

The district should not charge less than the actual cost for providing care to indigent county patients. The board should aim to set rates that allow facilities to be self-supporting, and they can have different rates for district residents compared to non-residents.

The chief executive officer (CEO), unless stopped by the board, can create a task force to help manage the district's facilities. If a board demands it, the CEO must choose task force members from board-nominated individuals. The task force can be dissolved by either the CEO or the board, and such board actions need majority votes, depending on board size.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32125(a)  The board of directors shall be responsible for the operation of all health care facilities owned or leased by the district, according to the best interests of the public health and shall make and enforce all rules, regulations and bylaws necessary for the administration, government, protection and maintenance of health care facilities under their management and all property belonging thereto and may prescribe the terms upon which patients may be admitted thereto. Minimum standards of operation as prescribed in this article shall be established and enforced by the board of directors.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32125(b)  A district shall not contract to care for indigent county patients at below the cost for care. In setting the rates the board shall, insofar as possible, establish rates as will permit the district health care facilities to be operated upon a self-supporting basis. The board may establish different rates for residents of the district than for persons who do not reside within the district.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32125(c)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, unless prohibited from doing so by action of the board of directors, the chief executive officer may establish a task force to assist the chief executive officer in operating the district’s facilities. The chief executive officer shall, if required to do so by action of the board, select task force members from individuals nominated by the board. Once established, the task force may be dissolved by action of the chief executive officer or the board. Any action by the board under this subdivision shall require four votes from a board on which there are five members or five votes from a board on which there are seven members.

Section § 32126

Explanation

This section explains how a hospital's board of directors can lease out a hospital they've acquired or built. Any lease involving 50% or more of a hospital must comply with specific legal requirements. Entire hospital leases can't last more than 30 years, and partial hospital leases can't exceed 10 years.

Additionally, if an existing lease from before July 1, 1984, is subleased or assigned to someone else, certain conditions must be met: the new agreement must be as valuable as the original, the lease must have started with a competitive bidding process, and any major amendments need public discussion. Subleases or assignments do not need to follow certain requirements if they remain compliant with the general rules.

The district must also report any leasing of its assets to the Attorney General within 30 days, detailing the nature of the transaction and the parties involved.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126(a) The board of directors may provide for the operation and maintenance through tenants of the whole or any part of any hospital acquired or constructed by it pursuant to this division, and for that purpose may enter into any lease agreement that it believes will best serve the interest of the district. A lease entered into with one or more corporations for the operation of 50 percent or more of the district’s hospital, or that is part of, or contingent upon, a transfer of 50 percent or more of the district’s assets, in sum or by increment, as described in subdivision (p) of Section 32121, shall be subject to the requirements of subdivision (p) of Section 32121. Any lease for the operation of any hospital shall require the tenant or lessee to conform to, and abide by, Section 32128. No lease for the operation of an entire hospital shall run for a term in excess of 30 years. No lease for the operation of less than an entire hospital shall run for a term in excess of 10 years.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a sublease, an assignment of an existing lease, or the release of a tenant or lessee from obligations under an existing lease in connection with an assignment of an existing lease shall not be subject to the requirements of subdivision (p) of Section 32121 so long as all of the following conditions are met:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126(b)(1) The sublease or assignment of the existing lease otherwise remains in compliance with subdivision (a).
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126(b)(2) The district board determines that the total consideration that the district shall receive following the assignment or sublease, or as a result thereof, taking into account all monetary and other tangible and intangible consideration to be received by the district including, without limitation, all benefits to the communities served by the district, is no less than the total consideration that the district would have received under the existing lease.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126(b)(3) The existing lease was entered into on or before July 1, 1984, upon approval of the board of directors following solicitation and review of no less than five offers from prospective tenants.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126(b)(4) If substantial amendments are made to an existing lease in connection with the sublease or assignment of that existing lease, the amendments shall be fully discussed in advance of the district board’s decision to adopt the amendments in at least two properly noticed open and public meetings in compliance with Section 32106 and the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126(c) A health care district shall report to the Attorney General, within 30 days of any lease of district assets to one or more corporations, the type of transaction and the entity to whom the assets were leased.

Section § 32126.3

Explanation

This law allows the existing lease between the Grossmont Healthcare District and the Grossmont Hospital Corporation, which started on May 29, 1991, to be renegotiated or extended for up to 30 more years after its current term. However, any changes or extensions must be approved by a majority vote from the district's voters.

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the lease in existence immediately preceding January 1, 2006, between the Grossmont Healthcare District and the Grossmont Hospital Corporation that was entered into on May 29, 1991, may be renegotiated or extended for up to an additional 30-year term. The renegotiations or extension shall be presented to, and approved by a majority of, the voters of the district.

Section § 32126.5

Explanation

This section allows a hospital district's board or a related nonprofit to improve community health services in several ways. They can sign contracts with various health providers, assist existing nonprofit groups, and fund healthcare experiments. However, they can't engage in activities that are forbidden by other laws that apply to corporations and similar entities.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126.5(a)  The board of directors of a hospital district or any affiliated nonprofit corporation may do any of the following when it determines that the action is necessary for the provision of adequate health services to communities served by the district:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126.5(a)(1)  Enter into contracts with health provider groups, community service groups, independent physicians and surgeons, and independent podiatrists, for the provision of health services.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126.5(a)(2)  Provide assistance or make grants to nonprofit provider groups and clinics already functioning in the community.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126.5(a)(3)  Finance experiments with new methods of providing adequate health care.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32126.5(b)  Nothing in this section shall authorize activities which corporations and other artificial legal entities are prohibited from conducting by Section 2400 of the Business and Professions Code.

Section § 32127

Explanation

This section outlines the management of hospital district funds. Each hospital district must have its own treasury, managed by a treasurer. The board of directors decides the treasurer's bond amount. Funds from taxes or assessments are divided into different accounts: capital outlay fund for construction, special assessment fund for specific voter-approved purposes, and maintenance and operation fund for general expenses. Daily revenues from hospital operations go into the maintenance fund, but cannot be used for new construction without specific authority. If there's not enough money to pay off bonds, funds can be transferred from the maintenance fund. Besides bond payments, funds are overseen by the treasurer, with other district officials authorized to disburse money as needed. Bonds can be paid at the district or county treasury, and proper accounts must be kept. Funds may be deposited in authorized banks, and the board can create a revolving fund to handle interim hospital expenses, accessible without strict signatures requirements.

The hospital district shall establish its own treasury and shall appoint a treasurer charged with the safekeeping and disbursal of the funds in the treasury of the district. The board of directors shall fix the amount of the bond to be given by such treasurer and shall provide for the payment of the premium therefor out of the maintenance and operation fund.
All moneys derived from that portion, if any, of the annual tax or assessment levied for capital outlay purposes shall be placed in the capital outlay fund. Any moneys derived from a special tax or assessment levied under Article 3 of Chapter 3 hereof shall be placed in a special assessment fund and shall be used exclusively for the purposes for which such special tax or assessment was voted.
All moneys derived from the regular annual tax or assessment provided in Article 1, Chapter 3 hereof, except any part thereof levied for capital outlay purposes, shall be placed in the maintenance and operation fund. All receipts and revenues of any kind from the operation of the hospital shall be paid daily into the treasury of said district and placed in the maintenance and operation fund. Moneys in the maintenance and operation fund may be expended for any of the purposes of the district; provided, however, that no such moneys may be expended for new construction of additional patient bed capacity other than as authorized by Section 32221 hereof. Whenever it appears that the sum in the bond interest and sinking fund will be insufficient to pay the interest or principal of bonds next coming due and payable therefrom, a sum sufficient to pay such principal and interest shall be transferred by the board of directors from the maintenance and operation fund to said bond interest and sinking fund.
Except as to principal and interest of bonds, moneys in the treasury of the district shall be paid out by the treasurer, or such other officer or officers of the district, including the administrator, as may be authorized by the board. The treasurer shall keep such order as his voucher and shall keep accounts of all receipts into the district treasury and all disbursements therefrom.
Where bonds of the district are payable at the office of the district, all receipts from taxes levied to pay the principal and interest of such bonds shall be paid into the treasury of the district, and the treasurer of the district shall pay therefrom the principal and interest of such bonds.
Where bonds of the district are payable at the office of the county treasurer of the organizing county, at the option of the holder, or otherwise, all receipts from taxes levied to pay principal and interest of such bonds shall be paid into the treasury of the organizing county and shall be placed by the county treasurer in the bond interest and sinking fund of the district, and he shall pay the principal and interest of such bonds therefrom and shall keep an account of all moneys received into and paid out of said fund.
Any moneys in the treasury of the district and any moneys of the district in the bond interest and sinking fund of the district in the treasury of the organizing county may be deposited in accordance with the provisions of the general laws of the State of California governing the deposit of public moneys of cities or counties in such bank or banks in the State of California as may be authorized to receive deposits of public funds, in the same manner and upon the same security as public moneys of cities and counties are deposited in such banks, and with like force and effect. The board of directors of the district are authorized to create a revolving fund which fund shall not exceed the sum of 10 percent of the estimated annual expenditures of the district at any one time and which shall be used for the purpose of paying the interim expenses of the operation of any hospital within the district without the necessity of a written order signed by the president and countersigned by the secretary as provided herein. The treasurer is authorized to deposit said fund in such bank or banks in the county as may be authorized to receive deposits of public funds in the same manner and upon the same security as public moneys of cities and counties are deposited in such banks and with like force and effect, and shall be subject to withdrawal upon the signature of the treasurer, or such other official of the district as may be authorized by the board of directors, for the use and purpose provided for herein.

Section § 32127.1

Explanation

The law allows the board of directors of certain hospital districts, specifically those with 85 beds and located in counties with a population of 2,000,000 or more as per the 1950 census, to use funds from past tax levies without voter approval. They can use these funds to add more patient beds by leasing, purchasing new hospital buildings or facilities, or constructing new structures to enhance bed capacity.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board of directors of any district which is licensed to have 85 beds and located within a county of 2,000,000 or more population, as determined by the 1950 census, may, without establishing a fund for capital outlays and without the approval of the district electors, use all or any funds in the possession of, or held by, the district on the effective date of the amendment made to this section at the 1967 Regular Session which were derived from previous tax levies, for the acquisition of additional patient bed capacity by lease or purchase of any hospital buildings or facilities or for new construction of additional patient bed capacity for an existing hospital.

Section § 32127.2

Explanation

This section allows the board of directors of a district to secure state-backed insurance for financing health facility projects. They can borrow money, issue bonds, and provide first mortgages or deeds of trust as security for such financing. However, they cannot use tax funds to repay these loans. This measure aims to encourage the private investment needed for building and upgrading health facilities, which is vital for public health and safety.

Exclusively for the purpose of securing state insurance of financing for the construction of new health facilities, the expansion, modernization, renovation, remodeling and alteration of existing health facilities, and the initial equipping of any such health facilities under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 129000) of Part 6 of Division 107, and notwithstanding any provision of this division or any other provision or holding of law, the board of directors of any district may (a) borrow money or credit, or issue bonds, as well as by the financing methods specified in this division, and (b) execute in favor of the state first mortgages, first deeds of trust, and other necessary security interests as the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development may reasonably require in respect to a health facility project property as security for the insurance. No payments of principal, interest, insurance premium and inspection fees, and all other costs of state-insured loans obtained under the authorization of this section shall be made from funds derived from the district’s power to tax. It is hereby declared that the authorizations for the executing of the mortgages, deeds of trust and other necessary security agreements by the board and for the enforcement of the state’s rights thereunder is in the public interest in order to preserve and promote the health, welfare, and safety of the people of this state by providing, without cost to the state, a state insurance program for health facility construction loans in order to stimulate the flow of private capital into health facilities construction to enable the rational meeting of the critical need for new, expanded and modernized public health facilities.

Section § 32127.3

Explanation

This law allows local hospital districts in California to obtain federal mortgage insurance and financial assistance for building and upgrading health facilities. It permits them to borrow money, issue bonds, and secure loans through federal programs. These districts can also provide mortgages or other security interests to the federal government as required. Importantly, they cannot use tax-derived funds to make payments on these loans. This initiative aims to boost the construction and modernization of public health facilities by leveraging federal support without incurring costs to the state. Additionally, the federal government beneficiaries of these mortgages are not considered private entities under the state constitution.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32127.3(a) Exclusively for the purpose of securing federal mortgage insurance, federal loans, federal loans or grants or guaranteed loans issued pursuant to the federal Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. Sec. 1921, et seq.), as amended by Public Law 109-171 on February 8, 2006, or federally insured loans issued pursuant to the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. Secs. 1715w and 1715z-7) for financing or refinancing the construction of new health facilities, the expansion, modernization, renovation, remodeling, or alteration of existing health facilities, and the initial equipping of those health facilities under the federal mortgage insurance programs as are now or may hereafter become available to a local hospital district, and notwithstanding any provision of this division, or any other provision or holding of law, the board of directors of any district may do either or both of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32127.3(a)(1) Borrow money or issue bonds, in addition to other financing methods authorized under this division.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32127.3(a)(2) Execute, in favor of the United States, appropriate federal agency, or federally designated mortgagor, first mortgages, first deeds of trust, or other necessary security interests as the federal government may reasonably require with respect to a health facility project property as security for that insurance.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32127.3(b) No payments of principal, interest, insurance premiums and inspection fees, and all other costs of financing obtained as authorized by this section shall be made from funds derived from the district’s power to tax.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32127.3(c) The Legislature hereby determines and declares that the authorizations for executing the mortgages, deeds of trust, or other necessary security agreements by the board and for the enforcement of the federal government’s rights thereunder are in the public interest in order to preserve and promote the health, welfare, and safety of the people of the state by providing, without cost to the state, a federal mortgage insurance program for health facility construction loans in order to stimulate the flow of private capital into health facilities construction to enable the critical need for new, expanded, and modernized public health facilities to be met.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32127.3(d) The Legislature further determines and declares that the United States, appropriate federal agency, or federally designated mortgagor named as beneficiary of any first mortgage or other security interest delivered as authorized by this section is not a private person or body within the meaning of Section 11 of Article XI of the California Constitution.

Section § 32127.5

Explanation

This law allows the board of directors of a district to decide, through a resolution, to transfer all district funds to the county treasurer. Once this transfer occurs, the county treasurer takes over financial responsibilities previously managed by the district treasurer, except for bond-related funds.

In the future, if the district board wants to reinstate the position of district treasurer, they can pass a resolution to do so. After this, the county treasurer must return all district funds to the new district treasurer.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32127.5(a)  Upon the adoption of a resolution of the board of directors of the district so providing, all funds on hand in the treasury of the district may, be paid over to the county treasurer of the county in which the district was organized, in which case and from and after the date of the adoption of such resolution the functions of the district treasurer shall be performed by the county treasurer. Except as to principal and interest of bonds, moneys in the treasury of the district shall be paid out by the county treasurer for purposes of the district upon warrants issued by the county auditor on orders signed by the president of the district and countersigned by the secretary of the district.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32127.5(b)  At any time, the district board may, by resolution, reestablish the office of district treasurer and, upon receipt of a copy of such resolution, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the county treasurer shall transfer all funds of the district to the district treasurer.

Section § 32128

Explanation

This section outlines the rules hospitals must establish regarding their medical staff and governance. Hospitals need to form a formal medical staff for physicians, podiatrists, and dentists, with appointments reviewed annually or biennially. It specifies self-governance for medical staff concerning professional duties and demands thorough, accurate patient medical records. The hospital may impose practice limitations to safeguard public welfare but cannot exclude licensed professionals based solely on their licensing board. The board of directors may cover legal defense costs for nonemployee staff sued over peer review activities if actions were in good faith and benefit the district. They might also choose to pay punitive damages awarded in such cases if deemed in the district's best interests. Finally, hospital rules should align with at least the standards of private hospitals, allowing additional lawful rules.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(a) The rules of the hospital, established by the board of directors pursuant to this article, shall include all of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(a)(1) Provision for the organization of physicians and surgeons, podiatrists, and dentists licensed to practice in this state who are permitted to practice in the hospital into a formal medical staff, with appropriate officers and bylaws and with staff appointments on an annual or biennial basis.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(a)(2) Provision for a procedure for appointment and reappointment of medical staff as provided by the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(a)(3) Provisions that the medical staff shall be self-governing with respect to the professional work performed in the hospital; that the medical staff shall meet in accordance with the minimum requirements of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; and that the medical records of the patients shall be the basis for such review and analysis.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(a)(4) Provision that accurate and complete medical records be prepared and maintained for all patients.
For purposes of this paragraph medical records include, but are not limited to, identification data, personal and family history, history of present illness, physical examination, special examinations, professional or working diagnoses, treatment, gross and microscopic pathological findings, progress notes, final diagnosis, condition on discharge, and other matters as the medical staff shall determine.
(5)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(5) Limitations with respect to the practice of medicine and surgery in the hospital as the board of directors may find to be in the best interests of the public health and welfare, including appropriate provision for proof of ability to respond in damages by applicants for staff membership, as long as no duly licensed physician and surgeon is excluded from staff membership solely because he or she is licensed by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board of directors may indemnify for damages and for costs associated with the legal defense of any nonemployee member of the medical staff when named as a defendant in a civil action directly arising out of opinions rendered, statements made, or actions taken as a necessary part of participation in the medical peer review activities of the district. This provision for indemnification for damages shall not include any award of punitive or exemplary damages against any nonemployee member of the medical staff. If the plaintiff prevails in a claim for punitive or exemplary damages against a nonemployee member of the medical staff, the defendant, at the option of the board of directors of the district, shall be liable to the district for all the costs incurred in providing representation to the defendant.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b) or any other provision of law, a district is authorized to pay that part of a judgment that is for punitive or exemplary damages against a nonemployee member of the medical staff arising out of participation in peer review activities, if the board of directors of the district, in its discretion, finds all of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(c)(1) The judgment is based on opinions rendered, statements made, or actions taken as a necessary part of participation in the medical peer review activities of the district.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(c)(2) At the time of rendering of the opinions, making the statements, or taking the actions giving rise to the liability, the nonemployee member of the medical staff was acting in good faith, without actual malice, and in the apparent best interests of the district.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(c)(3) Payment of the claim or judgment against the nonemployee member staff would be in the best interests of the district.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32128(d) The rules of the hospital shall, insofar as consistent with this article, be in accord with and contain minimum standards not less than the rules and standards of private or voluntary hospitals. Unless specifically prohibited by law, the board of directors may adopt other rules which could be lawfully adopted by private or voluntary hospitals.

Section § 32128.10

Explanation

This law ensures that hospitals allowing sterilization for contraception cannot impose special nonmedical requirements, like age, marital status, or number of children, on patients seeking such procedures. This means the criteria for sterilization should be the same as for any other surgery offered by the hospital, focusing only on the patient's physical and mental health.

The law allows for physicians to counsel their patients about whether sterilization is appropriate and keeps existing laws for minors intact.

No hospital established by the board of directors pursuant to this article which permits sterilization operations for contraceptive purposes to be performed therein, nor the medical staff of such hospital, shall require the individual upon whom such a sterilization operation is to be performed to meet any special nonmedical qualifications, which are not imposed on individuals seeking other types of operations in the hospital. Such prohibited nonmedical qualifications shall include, but not be limited to, age, marital status, and number of natural children.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit requirements relating to the physical or mental condition of the individual or affect the right of the attending physician to counsel or advise his patient as to whether or not sterilization is appropriate. This section shall not affect existing law with respect to individuals below the age of majority.

Section § 32129

Explanation

This section allows hospital districts and related nonprofit corporations to hire doctors, surgeons, podiatrists, and health care groups under contracts. These contracts must ensure that the hospital district does not profit from these services and that any fees are fair and reasonable. The main goal is to provide adequate health care to all residents within the district.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Medical Practice Act, the board of directors of a hospital district or any affiliated nonprofit corporation may contract with physicians and surgeons, podiatrists, health care provider groups, and nonprofit corporations for the rendering of professional health services on a basis as does not result in any profit or gain to the district from the services so rendered and as allows the board to ensure that fees and charges, if any, are reasonable, fair, and consistent with the basic commitment of the district to provide adequate health care to all residents within its boundaries.

Section § 32129.5

Explanation

This law allows hospital districts or their affiliated nonprofits to hire doctors or podiatrists to ensure they are available in the hospital's emergency department. These contracts must be set up so that the district does not make any money from the medical services provided by these professionals. Each doctor or podiatrist can only provide services they are legally allowed to practice.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board of directors of a hospital district or any affiliated nonprofit corporation may contract with a physician and surgeon or podiatrist for the rendering of professional services in the hospital, for the purpose of assuring that a physician and surgeon or podiatrist will be on duty in an outpatient emergency department maintained by the hospital, on a basis as does not result in any profit or gain to the district from the professional services of the physician and surgeon. For purposes of this section, the contract with the podiatrist shall be for those services which the podiatrist is licensed to practice pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.

Section § 32130

Explanation

This law allows a district to borrow money up to 85% of its estimated income for the current fiscal year, which includes all types of income like taxes and operating income. The borrowed money must be paid back within the same year.

A district may borrow money and incur indebtedness in an amount not to exceed 85 percent of all estimated income and revenue for the current fiscal year, including, but not limited to, tax revenues, operating income, and any other miscellaneous income received by the district, from whatever source derived. The money borrowed and indebtedness incurred under this section shall be repaid within the same fiscal year.

Section § 32130.1

Explanation

This section allows a district to borrow money for maintenance and operation by issuing certificates of indebtedness, which are a formal way of acknowledging debt. The amount borrowed can't exceed five cents for each $100 of the district's assessed value and must be repaid within five years at a maximum interest rate specified by another law. These certificates must get a three-fifths vote by the district's board and be publicly offered for sale to the bidder with the lowest cost to the district.

The board must provide public notice of the sale in a local newspaper at least ten days before. The certificates must be signed by the presiding officer and the board secretary. The county will collect taxes to cover the debt, ensuring there’s enough money to pay the interest and create a fund to pay back the borrowed amount when it's due. This tax is additional to other district taxes and can only be used to pay back the debt and interest.

A district is also authorized, when funds are needed to meet current expenses of maintenance and operation, to borrow money on certificates of indebtedness or other evidence of indebtedness in an amount not to exceed five cents ($0.05) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation of the district, the certificates of indebtedness to run for a period not to exceed five years and to bear interest not to exceed the rate prescribed in Section 53531 of the Government Code.
All certificates of indebtedness or other evidence of indebtedness shall be issued after the adoption by a three-fifths vote of the board of directors of the district of a resolution setting forth the necessity for the borrowing and the amount of the assessed valuation of the district and the amount of funds to be borrowed thereon. All certificates of indebtedness or other evidence of indebtedness shall be offered at public sale by the board of directors of the district after not less than 10 days advertising in a newspaper of general circulation within the district and if no newspaper of general circulation is printed within the district, then in a newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the district is located. Each sale shall be made to the bidder offering the lowest rate of interest or whose bid represents the lowest net cost to the district. However, the rate of interest shall not exceed the rate prescribed in Section 53531 of the Government Code.
The certificates of indebtedness or other evidences of indebtedness shall be signed on behalf of the district by the presiding officer and attested by the secretary of the board of directors of the district. The board of supervisors of the county in which the district lies shall, at the time of fixing the general tax levy, sometimes called the annual assessment or regular annual assessment for the district, and in the manner for the general tax levy provided, levy and collect annually each year until the certificates of indebtedness or other evidences of indebtedness are paid or until there is a sum in the treasury set apart for that purpose sufficient to meet all sums coming due for principal and interest on the certificates of indebtedness or other evidences of indebtedness, tax sufficient to pay the interest on the certificates of indebtedness as the same become due and also, to constitute a sinking fund for the payment of the principal thereof at maturity. The tax shall be in addition to all of the taxes levied for district purposes and shall be placed in a certificate of indebtedness, interest and sinking fund of the district and, until all of the principal of the interest and certificates of indebtedness is paid, the money in the fund shall be used for no other purpose than the payment of the certificates of indebtedness and accruing interest thereon.

Section § 32130.2

Explanation

This law allows a district in California to issue negotiable promissory notes, which are essentially promises to pay a certain amount in the future, to raise money for district purposes. The board must approve this by majority vote, and the notes need to be repaid within 10 years. The total amount of these notes cannot exceed 85% of the district's estimated income and revenue for the current fiscal year.

The law also specifies that these notes can be used to finance capital projects, like facilities or equipment, that last as long as or longer than the notes themselves. Additionally, the interest rate on these notes must not exceed the maximum rate set by another law, Section 53531 of the Government Code.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.2(a)  A district may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the district board, issue negotiable promissory notes to acquire funds for any district purposes subject to the restrictions and requirements imposed by this section. The maturity of the promissory notes shall not be later than 10 years from the date thereof. The total aggregate amount of the notes outstanding at any one time shall not exceed 85 percent of all estimated income and revenue for the current fiscal year, including, but not limited to, tax revenues, operating income, and any other miscellaneous income of the district. Indebtedness incurred pursuant to any other provision of law shall be disregarded in computing the aggregate amount of notes that may be issued pursuant to this section.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.2(b)  Negotiable promissory notes may be issued pursuant to this section for any capital outlay facility, equipment, or item which has a useful life equal to, or longer than, the term of the notes, as determined by the board of directors.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.2(c)  The maximum annual interest rate which may be paid on negotiable promissory notes shall at no time exceed the amount authorized under Section 53531 of the Government Code.

Section § 32130.5

Explanation

The first board of directors of a district can borrow money using different forms of debt like promissory notes within two years of setting up the district. This borrowing is to cover initial costs and is limited to 50% of the estimated tax revenue for the next year, and it must be paid back within two years with an interest rate capped at 5% annually. The county auditor estimates this revenue. This borrowing process should also align with rules from another section called Section 32130, as long as they don't conflict.

The first board of directors of a district may, within a period of two years from and after the formation of the district, pursuant to a resolution adopted by it for the purpose, borrow money on certificates of indebtedness, promissory notes, or other evidences of indebtedness, in anticipation of the estimated tax revenue for the following fiscal year, to be repaid within two years from the date of borrowing with interest at a rate not to exceed 5 percent per annum, in order to enable the district to meet all of its necessary initial expenses of organization, construction, acquisition, maintenance, and operation. The total amount of money borrowed and indebtedness incurred under this section and Section 32130 during this two-year period shall not exceed 50 percent of the total amount of estimated tax revenue as estimated by the county auditor or auditors of the county or counties in which the district lies for the following fiscal year.
The provisions of Section 32130 are applicable in respect to any indebtedness incurred under this section to the extent that they are consistent with this section.

Section § 32130.6

Explanation

This law allows a district board in California to authorize several financial actions to manage funds and improve district operations. They can establish a line of credit with a bank, using district assets or expected tax revenues as collateral. Any funds borrowed must be repaid within five years, but new lines of credit can repay old debts if done following the law. It also permits lines of credit to consolidate debts incurred before 2010, limited to $2 million and repayable within 20 years.

The board can also engage in capital leases to buy equipment, where leases can't exceed ten years, and the equipment may be secured as collateral. Additionally, the district can enter lease-purchase agreements for real estate used for district purposes, which must also be paid off within ten years.

However, this law doesn't allow the district to increase taxes to repay loans unless the increase follows specified government procedures.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a district may do any of the following by resolution adopted by a majority of the district board:
(a)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(a)
(1)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(a)(1) Enter into a line of credit with a commercial lender that is secured, in whole or in part, by the accounts receivable or other intangible assets of the district, including anticipated tax revenues, and thereafter borrow funds against the line of credit to be used for any district purpose.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(a)(2) Any money borrowed under this line of credit pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be repaid within five years from each separate borrowing or draw upon the line of credit.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(a)(3) The district may enter into a new and separate line of credit to repay a previous line of credit pursuant to paragraph (1), provided that the district complies with this section in entering into a new line of credit.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(a)(4) Enter into a line of credit with a commercial lender for the sole purpose of consolidating debt incurred by the district prior to January 1, 2010. Debt incurred under this paragraph shall be repaid within 20 years of the consolidation borrowing. The total amount of debt that a district may have outstanding at any one time under this paragraph shall not exceed the amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000).
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(b) Enter into capital leases for the purchase by the district of equipment to be used for any district purpose.
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(b)(1) The term of any capital lease shall not be longer than 10 years.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(b)(2) The district may secure the purchase of equipment by a capital lease by giving the lender a security interest in the equipment leased under the capital lease.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(c) Enter into lease-purchase agreements for the purchase by the district of real property, buildings, and facilities to be used for any district purpose. The term of any lease-purchase agreement shall not exceed 10 years.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32130.6(d) Nothing in this section shall provide the district with the authority to increase taxes in order to repay a line of credit established pursuant to subdivision (a) unless the tax is passed pursuant to Article 4.6 (commencing with Section 53750) of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code.

Section § 32131

Explanation

This law section allows the board of directors to join local, state, or national groups or associations that focus on promoting public health, welfare, or improving hospital administration. They are permitted to pay membership dues and fees to these organizations.

The board of directors may maintain membership in any local, state or national group or association organized and operated for the promotion of the public health and welfare or the advancement of the efficiency of hospital administration, and in connection therewith pay dues and fees thereto.

Section § 32132

Explanation

This law explains how a healthcare district's board of directors should handle contracts for materials, supplies, and work costing over $25,000. Generally, they must award these contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, who provides the necessary security. For small and rural hospitals, the board can use competitive means to acquire supplies costing between $25,000 and $50,000, unless there is a unique need or emergency situation. The rule does not apply to medical or surgical equipment, professional services, or certain tech goods and services. Bids are not required for minor contract changes under 5% of the contract's cost, and the section does not prevent participation in specific organizations for acquiring materials.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132(a)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, or in Chapter 3.2 (commencing with Section 4217.10) of Division 5 of Title 1 of the Government Code, the board of directors shall let any contract involving an expenditure of more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for materials and supplies to be furnished, sold, or leased to the district, or any contract involving an expenditure of more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for work to be done, to the lowest responsible bidder who shall give the security the board requires, or else reject all bids.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, for a local health care district that is a small and rural hospital, as defined in Section 124840, the board of directors shall acquire materials and supplies that cost more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), but less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), through competitive means, except when the board determines either that (1) the materials and supplies proposed for acquisition are the only materials and supplies that can meet the district’s need, or (2) the materials and supplies are needed in cases of emergency where immediate acquisition is necessary for the protection of the public health, welfare, or safety. As used in this paragraph, “competitive means” has the same meaning as used in subdivision (b) of Section 32138.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132(b)  Subdivision (a) shall not apply to medical or surgical equipment or supplies, to professional services, or to electronic data processing and telecommunications goods and services.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132(c)  Bids need not be secured for change orders that do not materially change the scope of the work as set forth in a contract previously made if the contract was made after compliance with bidding requirements, and if each individual change order does not total more than 5 percent of the contract.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132(d)  As used in this section, “medical or surgical equipment or supplies” includes only equipment or supplies commonly, necessarily, and directly used by, or under the direction of, a physician and surgeon in caring for or treating a patient in a hospital.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132(e)  Nothing in this section shall prevent any district health care facility from participating as a member of any organization described in Section 23704 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, nor shall this section apply to any purchase made, or services rendered, by the organization on behalf of a district health care facility that is a member of the organization.

Section § 32132.5

Explanation

This law allows the Sonoma Valley Health Care District to use a specific construction process called design-build for building projects at the Sonoma Valley Hospital. This process is outlined in another law typically used by counties and local agencies, but here it specifically applies to the Sonoma Valley Health Care District.

The new hospital projects must still meet existing safety and inspection standards set by the state's Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act. This law goes into effect on January 1, 2025.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.5(a) Notwithstanding Section 32132 or any other provision of law, upon approval by the board of directors of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District, the design-build procedure described in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 22160) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code may be used to assign contracts for the construction of a building or improvements directly related to construction of a hospital or health facility building at the Sonoma Valley Hospital.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.5(b) For purposes of this section, all references in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 22160) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code to “county” and “local agency” shall mean the Sonoma Valley Health Care District and its board of directors.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.5(c) A hospital building project utilizing the design-build process authorized by subdivision (a) shall be reviewed and inspected in accordance with the standards and requirements of the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act of 1983 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 129675) of Part 7 of Division 107).
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.5(d) This section shall become operative January 1, 2025.

Section § 32132.7

Explanation

This law allows the Last Frontier Health Care District's board of directors to use a specific construction contract method called "design-build" for constructing or improving hospital buildings at the Modoc Medical Center.

It overrides previous laws and specifies the design-build rules from the Public Contract Code apply, with "local agency" referring to this Health Care District.

Also, any projects using this method must meet seismic safety standards under the Alfred E. Alquist Act.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.7(a) Notwithstanding Section 32132 or any other law, upon approval by the board of directors of the Last Frontier Health Care District, the design-build procedure described in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 22160) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code may be used to assign contracts for the construction of a building or improvements directly related to construction of a hospital or health facility building at the Modoc Medical Center.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.7(b) For purposes of this section, all references in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 22160) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code to “local agency” shall mean the Last Frontier Health Care District and its board of directors.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.7(c) A hospital building project utilizing the design-build process authorized by subdivision (a) shall be reviewed and inspected in accordance with the standards and requirements of the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act of 1983 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 129675) of Part 7 of Division 107).

Section § 32132.8

Explanation

This law allows the Mayers Memorial Hospital District to use a simplified design-build process for assigning contracts related to constructing hospital buildings. This process is usually outlined for local agencies in the Public Contract Code, but here it specifically applies to this hospital district.

Any hospital building projects done under this rule must follow California's seismic safety standards for hospitals, ensuring they're safe in an earthquake.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.8(a) Notwithstanding Section 32132 or any other law, upon approval by the board of directors of the Mayers Memorial Hospital District, the design-build procedure described in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 22160) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code may be used to assign contracts for the construction of a building or improvements directly related to construction of a hospital or health facility building at the Mayers Memorial Hospital.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.8(b) For purposes of this section, all references in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 22160) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code to “local agency” mean the Mayers Memorial Hospital District and its board of directors.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.8(c) A hospital building project utilizing the design-build process authorized by subdivision (a) shall be reviewed and inspected in accordance with the standards and requirements of the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act of 1983 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 129675) of Part 7 of Division 107).

Section § 32132.96

Explanation

This law mandates that if a district chooses to use the design-build process for building housing, at least 20% of the residential units must be affordable and subject to a 55-year affordability restriction. These units should be accessible to lower, very low, and extremely low income households, as well as persons and families of low or moderate income.

However, this requirement does not apply if the local city or county already has an ordinance demanding a higher percentage of affordable units. It also doesn’t apply to projects for health facilities or retirement homes for seniors, disabled adults, or individuals with dementia, or if the construction is for workforce housing as required by a local ordinance.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.96(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), (c), or (d), a district that is authorized and elects to use the design-build process described in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 22160) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code for the construction of housing shall require that at least 20 percent of the residential units constructed be subject to a recorded affordability restriction for at least 55 years and be affordable to all of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.96(a)(1) Lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.96(a)(2) Very low income households, as defined in Section 50105.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.96(a)(3) Extremely low income households, as defined in Section 50106.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.96(a)(4) Persons and families of low or moderate income, as defined in Section 50093.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.96(b) Subdivision (a) shall not apply if the city, county, or city and county in which the district is predominantly located has adopted a local ordinance that requires a greater percentage of the units be affordable to lower income households, very low income households, extremely low income households, and persons and families of low or moderate income.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.96(c) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to any district that is authorized and elects to use the design-build process described in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 22160) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code for the construction of any health facilities or retirement facilities exclusively providing care or supportive services to the elderly, disabled adults, or individuals with dementia, including, but not limited to, residential care facilities for the elderly.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32132.96(d) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to any district that is authorized and elects to use the design-build process described in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 22160) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code for the construction of workforce housing that is otherwise required by local ordinance.

Section § 32133

Explanation

Each year, a hospital board must hire a qualified accountant to audit the hospital's books and generate a report. They need to publicly announce this report, including details such as the audit completion date, who conducted it, where the public can see it, the web link to the audit report, and a summary of significant findings or a note stating there are none.

At least once each year the board shall engage the services of a qualified accountant of accepted reputation to conduct an audit of the books of the hospital and prepare a report. A notice of the report shall be published, pursuant to Section 6061 of the Government Code and shall include all of the following:
(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32133(a) The date the audit was completed.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32133(b) The preparer and the executor of the audit.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32133(c) The location, including address, of the file for public inspection.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 32133(d) The website link to the audit report on the district’s internet website.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 32133(e) A summary of any material findings or declaration of no material findings.

Section § 32134

Explanation

This law specifies that the start date for a hospital construction and leasing contract is when the lease is signed. Even if the lease is changed later, the original signing date remains the official start date.

The effective date of any contract entered into for the construction and leasing of any hospital building or facilities shall be the date of execution of said lease notwithstanding the fact that said lease may be later amended.

Section § 32136

Explanation

This section allows the board of directors to bypass normal bidding processes for contracts if there's an emergency like a fire, flood, storm, epidemic, or similar disaster. It must be for urgent work or materials needed to protect public health, safety, welfare, or property.

The board of directors may, without following the bidding provisions in Section 32132 hereof, let contracts for work to be done or for materials and supplies to be furnished, sold or leased to the district, if it first determines that an emergency exists warranting such expenditure due to fire, flood, storm, epidemic, or other disaster and is necessary to protect the public health, safety, welfare, or property.

Section § 32137

Explanation

The board of directors can rename a hospital district by passing a resolution. The new name becomes official once they file a verified copy of the resolution with the county clerk where the hospital district is located.

The board of directors may, by resolution, change the name of the district. The change in the name of the district shall be effective upon the filing of a verified copy of the resolution with the county clerk of the county or counties in which the hospital district lies.

Section § 32138

Explanation

The board of directors must buy electronic data processing and telecom products or services costing over $25,000 through a competitive process. However, exceptions can be made if the board decides that only certain goods or services fit the district's needs, or if there's an urgent situation where quick purchase is necessary for public health or safety.

'Competitive means' refers to any method the board defines, like asking for proposals from enough qualified sources to ensure fair competition. When selecting a vendor through this competitive process, the board will choose the offer that provides the best value for the district's needs, based on criteria they set, which might not focus solely on cost.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32138(a)  The board of directors shall acquire electronic data processing and telecommunications goods and services with a cost to the district of more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) through competitive means, except when the board determines either that (1) the goods and services proposed for acquisition are the only goods and services which can meet the district’s need, or (2) the goods and services are needed in cases of emergency where immediate acquisition is necessary for the protection of the public health, welfare, or safety.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32138(b)  As used in this section, “competitive means” includes any appropriate means specified by the board, including, but not limited to, the preparation and circulation of a request for a proposal to an adequate number of qualified sources, as determined by the board in its discretion, to permit reasonable competition consistent with the nature and requirements of the proposed acquisition.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32138(c)  When the board awards a contract through competitive means pursuant to this section, the contract award shall be based on the proposal which provides the most cost-effective solution to the district’s requirements, as determined by the evaluation criteria specified by the board. The evaluation criteria may provide for the selection of a vendor on an objective basis other than cost alone.

Section § 32139

Explanation

The board of directors of a special district must adopt an annual budget in a public meeting by September 1 each year, following standard accounting practices.

They are also required to maintain a website with crucial information, such as contact details, the adopted budget, board members, and details of public meetings. The site must also include certain studies, grant recipients, audit reports, financial reports, and the district’s grant policy, either directly or via links to other government sites.

Additionally, if the district offers grants or assistance, they need to have a detailed annual policy. This policy must outline how grant allocations relate to healthcare and district missions, process guidelines for ensuring funds are used appropriately, application procedures, grant distribution plans, and a rule prohibiting private meetings about applications outside the formal process. From January 1, 2020, they must also provide guidelines for various specific scenarios involving underserved communities, multiple grant recipients, and specific program types.

The board of directors shall do all of the following:
(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(a) Adopt an annual budget in a public meeting, on or before September 1 of each year, that conforms to generally accepted accounting and budgeting procedures for special districts.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b) Establish and maintain an Internet Web site that lists contact information for the district. The Internet Web site shall also list all of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b)(1) The adopted budget.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b)(2) A list of current board members.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b)(3) Information regarding public meetings required pursuant to Section 32106 or the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b)(4) A municipal service review or special study conducted by a local agency formation commission pursuant to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (Division 3 (commencing with Section 56000) of Title 5 of the Government Code), if any. The board may comply with this paragraph by posting a link on its Internet Web site to another government Internet Web site that contains the specified information.
(5)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b)(5) Recipients of grant funding or assistance provided by the district, if any.
(6)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b)(6) Audits of the district’s accounts and records pursuant to Section 26909 of the Government Code or Section 32133 of this code. The board may comply with this paragraph by posting a link on its Internet Web site to another government Internet Web site that contains the specified information.
(7)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b)(7) Annual financial reports to the Controller, submitted pursuant to Section 53890 of the Government Code. The board may comply with this paragraph by posting a link on its Internet Web site to another government Internet Web site that contains the specified information.
(8)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b)(8) The district’s policy for providing assistance or grant funding described in subdivision (c).
(9)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(b)(9) Any other information the board deems relevant.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c) Adopt annual policies for providing assistance or grant funding, if the district provides assistance or grants pursuant to Section 32126.5 or any other law. This policy shall include all of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(1) A nexus between the allocation of assistance and grant funding with health care and the mission of the district.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(2) A process for the district to ensure allocated grant funding is spent consistently with the grant application and the mission and purpose of the district, including, but not limited to, requirements that a grant recipient must meet, such as grant contract terms and conditions, fiscal and programmatic monitoring by the district, and reporting to the district.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(3) The district’s plan for distributing grant funds for each fiscal year.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(4) A process for providing, accepting, and reviewing grant applications.
(5)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(5) A prohibition against individual meetings regarding grant applications between a grant applicant and a district board member, officer, or staff outside of the district’s established grant awards process. A district’s established grant awards process may include the provision of technical assistance to grant applicants, upon request, by district grant program staff.
(6)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(6) Beginning January 1, 2020, guidelines for all of the following:
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(6)(A) Awarding grants to underserved individuals and communities, and to organizations that meet the needs of underserved individuals and communities.
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(6)(B) Considering the circumstances under which grants may be awarded to multiple or single recipients, and exceptions to these circumstances.
(C)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(6)(C) Evaluating the financial need of grant applicants.
(D)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(6)(D) Considering the types of programs eligible for grant funding, including direct patient care, preventive care, and wellness programs.
(E)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(6)(E) Considering the circumstances under which grants may be provided to prior grant recipients, and exceptions to these circumstances.
(F)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(6)(F) Considering sponsorships of charitable events.
(G)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(6)(G) Funding other government agencies.
(H)CA Health & Safety Code § 32139(c)(6)(H) Awarding grants to, and limiting funds for, foundations that are sponsored or controlled by, or associated with, a separate grant recipient.

Section § 32140

Explanation

If a board of directors files for federal bankruptcy, they must inform the local agency formation commission of their main county within 10 business days.

Upon filing a petition under federal bankruptcy law, the board of directors shall provide written notice within 10 business days to the local agency formation commission of the principal county in which it is located.