Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 1878 amends several provisions relating to the operation, administration, and voting procedures of the Castro County and Ochiltree County hospital districts.

            The act changes certain eligibility requirements, the candidate filing procedures, and the date of election for the board of directors of both hospital districts. Write-in candidates for the Ochiltree County Hospital District's board of directors are required to declare their candidacy and to appear on a list of write-in candidates in order to be counted in a general or special election, and the district's directors are authorized to purchase directors' bonds with district funds.

            House Bill 1878 grants the board of the Ochiltree County Hospital District the authority to defend an employee against liability claims and to purchase liability insurance coverage; to issue bonds or to borrow money on the credit of the district for health care purposes; to appoint an administrator, employ staff, and appoint or remove doctors for the district; to spend district funds to recruit staff and provide for health care education for current or prospective employees; and to provide retirement benefits for employees.

            House Bill 1878 also requires that the board of the Ochiltree County Hospital District determine the type, number, and location of facilities and equipment needed to maintain an adequate hospital system and authorizes the board to acquire property, equipment, and facilities by lease or purchase; to provide services outside the district; and to lease hospital facilities on behalf of the district. In addition, the board is authorized to enter into a contract with an alternative health care provider or delivery system; to contract with a political subdivision or governmental agency to provide other services related to the medical, hospital, and welfare needs of persons in the district; and to seek reimbursement for treatment of persons who are not residents of the district.