H.B. 940 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 940 By: Chisum County Affairs Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Hemphill County Hospital District was created by the 66th legislature in 1979. HB 940 will amend the enabling legislation to update the District's abilities to provide a full range of acute care hospital, post-hospital and ancillary care services. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Provides for a revised process for election to the board of directors including a process to certify the election of an unopposed candidate. SECTION 2. Adds ancillary health care system to range of care services provided by the District. Citations to certain laws referenced are updated. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 3. Provides for an annual audit. Requires the board to select a qualified independent accounting firm to perform the audit. SECTION 4. Provides for an emergency budget process to protect hospital district assets and patient health and safety. SECTION 5. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 6. Updates citations to certain laws referenced. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 7. Updates citations to certain laws referenced. SECTION 8. Updates citations to certain laws referenced. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 9. Allows the board to determine the type, number and location of facilities and services that are required. Allows the hospital system to include equipment and services considered in addition to facilities as necessary. Allows the board to enter into management contracts and joint ownership arrangements with public or private entities. Allows the board to lease as well as sell property of any nature. Allows the board to lease, purchase, or lease to purchase property, facilities, supplies and equipment. Updates citations to certain laws referenced. Makes conforming changes SECTION 10. Provides for an alternative for the assessment and collection of all taxes levied by the hospital district. SECTION 11. Revises the procedures for the provision of indigent care. Makes conforming changes. EFFECTIVE DATE Takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of the members. If the necessary vote for immediate effect is not received, the effective date is September 1, 2003.