text:
(a) A person shall not distribute, sell, lease, or offer for sale or lease an electric bicycle unless the storage battery for the electric bicycle has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with a standard referenced in ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 or EN 15194, or other safety standard for electric bicycles as the office has established by rule.

(b) A person shall not distribute, sell, lease, or offer for sale or lease a powered mobility device unless the battery for the powered mobility device has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL 2272.

(c) A person shall not distribute, sell, lease, or offer for sale or lease a storage battery unless the storage battery meets either of the following:

(1) The storage battery is designed for a powered mobility device and has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL 2271 or other safety standard for powered mobility devices as the office has established by rule.

(2) The storage battery is designed for an electric bicycle and has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with a battery standard referenced in ANSI/CAN/UL 2849, EN 15194, or other safety standard as the office has established by rule, or is part of a complete electrical system for an electric bicycle that has been tested by an accredited laboratory for compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL 2849, EN 15194, or other safety standard as the office has established by rule.

(d) Charging systems advertised, distributed, sold, leased, or offered for sale or lease for use with a particular electric bicycle, powered mobility device, or storage battery shall be certified for use with that electric bicycle, powered mobility device, or storage battery.

(e) (1) A person shall not distribute, sell, lease, or offer for sale or lease an electric bicycle, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery unless the logo, wordmark, label, or name of an accredited testing laboratory and the applicable certification standard used to show compliance is permanently affixed directly on the electric bicycle or its electrical system, the powered mobility device, the charging system, or the battery of the electric bicycle or powered mobility device.

(2) A person shall not be required to display the logo, wordmark, label, or name of an accredited testing laboratory if the electric bicycle, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery is being sold or leased secondhand.


kind: section

code: HSC

text:
(a) A person shall not rent or offer for rental an electric bicycle unless the battery for the electric bicycle has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with a standard referenced in ANSI/CAN/UL 2849, EN 15194, or other safety standard for electric bicycles the office has established by rule.

(b) A person shall not rent or offer for rental an electric bicycle charging system unless the charging system has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with a standard referenced in ANSI/CAN/UL 2849, EN 15194, or other safety standard for electric bicycle charging systems the office has established by rule, and, if it is being rented for use with a specific electric bicycle, it is certified for use with that electric bicycle’s battery.

(c) A person shall not rent or offer for rental a powered mobility device unless the powered mobility device has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL 2272.

(d) A person shall not rent or offer for rental a powered mobility device charging system unless the charging system has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL 2272 and, if it is being rented for use with a specific powered mobility device, it is certified for use with that powered mobility device’s battery.

(e) A person shall not rent or offer for rental a storage battery unless the storage battery meets either of the following:

(1) The storage battery is designed for a powered mobility device and has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL 2271.

(2) The storage battery is designed for an electric bicycle and has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with a battery standard referenced in ANSI/CAN/UL 2849, EN 15194, or other safety standard as the office has established by rule, or is part of a complete electrical system for an electric bicycle that has been tested by an accredited laboratory for compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL 2849, EN 15194, or other safety standard as the office has established by rule.

(f) A person shall not rent or offer for rental a storage battery charging system unless the charging system has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with a charger standard referenced in UL 2272, UL 2849, EN 15194, or other safety standard for storage battery charging systems the office has established by rule and, if it is being rented for use with a specific storage battery, it is certified for use with that storage battery.

(g) A person shall not be required to display the logo, wordmark, label, or name of an accredited testing laboratory if the electric bicycle, powered mobility device, or storage battery is being rented.

(h) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2028.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 791, Sec. 1. (SB 1271) Effective January 1, 2025. Operative January 1, 2028, by its own provisions.)

path: 20. MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY PROVISIONS > 23. Battery Standards for Electric Bicycles, Powered Mobility Devices, and Storage Batteries


text: A manufacturer, importer, distributor, or retailer of an electric bicycle, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery subject to testing under this chapter shall provide, upon request, a true and accurate copy of the test report for the product issued by the accredited testing laboratory.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 791, Sec. 1. (SB 1271) Effective January 1, 2025. Operative January 1, 2026, pursuant to Section 26305.)

division: 20. MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY PROVISIONS

chapter: 23. Battery Standards for Electric Bicycles, Powered Mobility Devices, and Storage Batteries


text: This chapter, except Section 26303, shall become operative on January 1, 2026.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 791, Sec. 1. (SB 1271) Effective January 1, 2025.)


text: This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 321, Sec. 2. (SB 976) Effective January 1, 2025.)

path: 20. MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY PROVISIONS > 24. Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act


text:
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a) “Addictive feed” means an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application, or a portion thereof, in which multiple pieces of media generated or shared by users are, either concurrently or sequentially, recommended, selected, or prioritized for display to a user based, in whole or in part, on information provided by the user, or otherwise associated with the user or the user’s device, unless any of the following conditions are met, alone or in combination with one another:

(1) The information is not persistently associated with the user or user’s device, and does not concern the user’s previous interactions with media generated or shared by others.

(2) The information consists of search terms that are not persistently associated with the user or user’s device.

(3) The information consists of user-selected privacy or accessibility settings, technical information concerning the user’s device, or device communications or signals concerning whether the user is a minor.

(4) The user expressly and unambiguously requested the specific media or media by the author, creator, or poster of the media, or the blocking, prioritization, or deprioritization of such media, provided that the media is not recommended, selected, or prioritized for display based, in whole or in part, on other information associated with the user or the user’s device, except as otherwise permitted by this chapter and, in the case of audio or video content, is not automatically played.

(5) The media consists of direct, private communications between users.

(6) The media recommended, selected, or prioritized for display is exclusively the next media in a preexisting sequence from the same author, creator, poster, or source and, in the case of audio or video content, is not automatically played.

(7) The recommendation, selection, or prioritization of the media is necessary to comply with this chapter or any regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

(b) (1) “Addictive internet-based service or application” means an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application, including, but not limited to, a “social media platform” as defined in Section 22675 of the Business and Professions Code, that offers users or provides users with an addictive feed as a significant part of the service provided by that internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application.

(2) “Addictive internet-based service or application” does not apply to either of the following:

(A) An internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application for which interactions between users are limited to commercial transactions or to consumer reviews of products, sellers, services, events, or places, or any combination thereof.

(B) An internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application that operates a feed for the primary purpose of cloud storage.

(c) “Media” means text, audio, an image, or a video.

(d) “Minor” means an individual under 18 years of age who is located in the State of California.

(e) “Operator” means a person who operates or provides an internet website, an online service, an online application, or a mobile application.

(f) “Parent” means a parent or guardian, including as defined in regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

(g) “User” means a person who uses an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application. “User” does not include the operator or a person acting as an agent of the operator.

chapter: 24. Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act


text:
(a) It shall be unlawful for the operator of an addictive internet-based service or application to provide an addictive feed to a user unless either of the following is met:

(1) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the operator does not have actual knowledge that the user is a minor.

(B) Commencing January 1, 2027, the operator has reasonably determined that the user is not a minor, including pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Attorney General.

(2) The operator has obtained verifiable parental consent to provide an addictive feed to the user who is a minor.

(b) Information collected for the purpose of determining a user’s age or verifying parental consent pursuant to this chapter shall not be used for any purpose other than compliance with this chapter or with another applicable law. The information collected shall be deleted immediately after it is used to determine a user’s age or to verify parental consent, except as necessary to comply with state or federal law.


text:
(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful for the operator of an addictive internet-based service or application, between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., in the user’s local time zone, and between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., from Monday through Friday from September through May in the user’s local time zone, to send notifications to a user if the operator has actual knowledge that the user is a minor unless the operator has obtained verifiable parental consent to send those notifications.

(2) Commencing January 1, 2027, it shall be unlawful for the operator of an addictive internet-based service or application, between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., in the user’s local time zone, and between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., from Monday through Friday from September through May in the user’s local time zone, to send notifications to a user whom the operator has not reasonably determined is not a minor, including pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Attorney General, unless the operator has obtained verifiable parental consent to send those notifications.

(b) The operator of an addictive internet-based service or application shall provide a mechanism through which the verified parent of a user who is a minor may do any of the following:

(1) Prevent their child from accessing or receiving notifications from the addictive internet-based service or application between specific hours chosen by the parent. This setting shall be set by the operator as on by default, in a manner in which the child’s access is limited between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., in the user’s local time zone.

(2) Limit their child’s access to any addictive feed from the addictive internet-based service or application to a length of time per day specified by the verified parent. This setting shall be set by the operator as on by default, in a manner in which the child’s access is limited to one hour per day unless modified by the verified parent.

(3) Limit their child’s ability to view the number of likes or other forms of feedback to pieces of media within an addictive feed. This setting shall be set by the operator as on by default.

(4) Require that the default feed provided to the child when entering the internet-based service or application be one in which pieces of media are not recommended, selected, or prioritized for display based on information provided by the user, or otherwise associated with the user or the user’s device, other than the user’s age or status as a minor.

(5) Set their child’s account to private mode, in a manner in which only users to whom the child is connected on the addictive internet-based service or application may view or respond to content posted by the child. This setting shall be set by the operator as on by default.


text:
(a) This chapter shall not be construed as requiring the operator of an addictive internet-based service or application to give a parent any additional or special access to, or control over, the data or accounts of their child.

(b) This chapter shall not be construed as preventing any action taken in good faith to restrict access to, or availability of, media.


text:
(a) An operator may choose not to provide services to minors. However, the operator of an addictive internet-based service or application shall not withhold, degrade, lower the quality of, or increase the price of, any product, service, or feature, other than as required by this chapter, due to a user or parent availing themselves of the rights provided by this chapter, or due to the protections required by this chapter.

(b) A parent’s provision of consent as described in Section 27001 or 27002, or the use by a parent of a mechanism as described in Section 27002, does not waive, release, otherwise limit, or serve as a defense to, any claim that the parent, or that the user who is a minor or was a minor at the time of using the internet-based service or application, might have against the operator of an addictive internet-based service or application regarding any harm to the mental health or well-being of the user.

(c) The protections provided by this chapter are in addition to those provided by any other applicable law, including, but not limited to, the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (Title 1.81.47 (commencing with Section 1798.99.28) of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code).


text: An operator of an addictive internet-based service or application shall publicly disclose, on an annual basis, the number of minor users of its addictive internet-based service or application, and of that total the number for whom the operator has received verifiable parental consent to provide an addictive feed, and the number of minor users as to whom the controls set forth in Section 27002 are or are not enabled.


text:
(a) This chapter may only be enforced in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General.

(b) The Attorney General shall adopt regulations to further the purposes of this chapter, including regulations regarding age assurance and parental consent by January 1, 2027. The Attorney General may adopt regulations that provide for exceptions to this chapter, but only if those exceptions further the purpose of protecting minors.

(c) In promulgating the regulations described in subdivision (b), the Attorney General shall solicit public comment regarding the impact that any regulation might have based on the nondiscrimination characteristics set forth in Section 51 of the Civil Code or in any other applicable law.


text: If any provision of this chapter, or application thereof, to any person or circumstance is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.


text: This chapter shall be known as the Social Media Warning Law.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 671, Sec. 2. (AB 56) Effective January 1, 2026. Operative January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 28002.)

chapter: 25. Social Media Warning Law

path: 20. MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY PROVISIONS > 25. Social Media Warning Law


text:
(a) For purposes of this chapter, “covered platform” has the same meaning as addictive internet-based service or application, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 27000.5.

(b) “Covered platform” does not mean an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application whose primary function is any of the following:

(1) The sale of goods or services.

(2) Cloud storage.

(3) Electronic mail.

(4) Direct messaging, in which communications are viewable only by the sender and an intended recipient, that does not allow public content dissemination, interaction, or access.

(5) Communication internal to an organization.

(6) Internal organizational collaboration services that are not offered to the general public or consumers outside the organization.


text:
(a) (1) (A) For each calendar day in which a user uses a covered platform, the covered platform shall display, pursuant to subparagraph (B), the black box warning described in subdivision (b) to the user when the user initially accesses the covered platform.

(B) The black box warning required by this paragraph shall be displayed clearly and continuously for a duration of at least 10 seconds, unless the user affirmatively dismisses the warning by clicking on a conspicuous “X” icon. That black box warning shall be displayed in a manner that occupies at least 25 percent of the screen or window that the user is using to access the covered platform.

(C) A covered platform shall not be required to display the black box warning required by this paragraph to a user if it has reasonably determined that the user is over 17 years of age.

(2) (A) For each calendar day in which a user uses a covered platform, the covered platform shall display, pursuant to subparagraph (B), the black box warning described in subdivision (b) after three hours of cumulative active use and thereafter at least once per hour of cumulative active use.

(B) The black box warning required by this paragraph shall be displayed clearly and continuously for a duration of at least 30 seconds, without providing the ability to bypass or click through the warning, in a manner that occupies at least 75 percent of the screen or window that the user is using to access the covered platform.

(C) A covered platform shall not be required to display the black box warning required by this paragraph to a user if it has reasonably determined that the user is over 17 years of age.

(b) The black box warning consists of the following text displayed clearly, conspicuously, and legibly in black text on a white background: “The Surgeon General has warned that while social media may have benefits for some young users, social media is associated with significant mental health harms and has not been proven safe for young users.” (c) The provision of the notice required by this section or a user affirmatively dismissing the notice do not waive, release, otherwise limit, or serve as a defense to, any claim, including claims premised on failure to warn, other than a claim premised on a violation of this section.

(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to serve as the basis for a private right of action under this chapter or any other law.

(e) The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provision of this chapter or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.

(f) This chapter shall become operative on January 1, 2027.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 671, Sec. 2. (AB 56) Effective January 1, 2026.)


text: This division shall be known and may be cited as “The Local Health Care District Law.” Any reference in any statute to the Local Hospital District Law shall be deemed a reference to the Local Health Care District Law, and any reference in any statute to a hospital district shall be deemed to be a reference to a health care district.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 696, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)

division: 23. HOSPITAL DISTRICTS

chapter: 1. Formation of District

path: 23. HOSPITAL DISTRICTS > 1. Formation of District


text:
For purposes of this division, both of the following shall apply:

(a) Any reference to “hospital district” or “district” shall mean “health care district,” and any reference to “hospital administrator” or “administrator” shall mean “chief executive officer.”

(b) “Health care facility” shall mean a health facility as defined in Section 1250 and a clinic as defined in Section 1204.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 35, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)


text: A local hospital district may be organized, incorporated and managed, as provided in this division and may exercise the powers herein granted or necessarily implied. Such a district may include incorporated or unincorporated territory, or both, or territory in any one or more counties. The territory comprising this district need not be contiguous but the territory of a municipal corporation shall not be divided; provided, that land either in a municipal corporation or in unincorporated territory which the supervising authority finds will not be benefited shall not be included.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 2043.)


text: The manner of formation of local hospital districts, and the conducting of all hospital district elections, unless otherwise provided in this division shall be as in the manner provided, respectively, by Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 58000) of Division 2 of Title 6 of the Government Code, and Part 3 (commencing with Section 10400) and Part 4 (commencing with Section 10500) of Division 10 of the Elections Code. Except as provided in this division, these provisions are hereby incorporated in this division by reference and shall have the same effect and force as if fully set forth herein. In addition to all other requirements regarding formation of hospital districts, no hearing upon the petition to form a hospital district shall be held until comments and recommendations of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development and each area health planning agency having territory within the proposed district, concerning the need for new or additional health facilities in the area to be served by the proposed district have been filed with the supervising authority. The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development and the area health planning agency or agencies shall submit these comments and recommendations to the supervising authority within 60 days after receiving a request therefor from the proponents. Failure to submit these comments to the supervising body within 60 days shall be deemed to constitute a “no comment” response.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 145. Effective January 1, 1995.)


text:
Within five days after the district formation election has been called, the legislative body which has called the election shall transmit, by registered mail, a written notification of the election call to the executive officer of the local agency formation commission of the county or principal county in which the territory or major portion of the territory of the proposed district is located. Such written notice shall include the name and a description of the proposed district, and may be in the form of a certified copy of the resolution adopted by the legislative body calling the district formation election.

The executive officer, within five days after being notified that a district formation election has been called, shall submit to the commission, for its approval or modification, an impartial analysis of the proposed district formation.

The impartial analysis shall not exceed 500 words in length and shall include a specific description of the boundaries of the district proposed to be formed.

The local agency formation commission, within five days after the receipt of the executive officer’s analysis, shall approve or modify the analysis and submit it to the officials in charge of conducting the district formation election.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 736.)


text:
The board of supervisors or any member or members of the board authorized by the board, or any individual voter or bona fide association of citizens entitled to vote on the district formation proposition, or any combination of such voters and associations of citizens, may file a written argument for or a written argument against the proposed district formation.

Arguments shall not exceed 300 words in length and shall be filed with the officials in charge of conducting the election not less than 54 days prior to the date of the district formation election.


text:
If more than one argument for or more than one argument against the proposed district formation is filed with the election officials within the time prescribed, such election officials shall select one of the arguments for printing and distribution to the voters.

In selecting the arguments, the election officials shall give preference and priority in the order named to the arguments of the following:

(a) The board of supervisors or any member or members of the board authorized by the board.

(b) Individual voters or bona fide associations of citizens or a combination of such voters and associations.


text:
The elections officials in charge of conducting the election shall cause a ballot pamphlet concerning the district formation proposition to be voted on to be printed and mailed to each voter entitled to vote on the district formation question.

The ballot pamphlet shall contain the following, in the order prescribed:

(a) The complete text of the proposition.

(b) The impartial analysis of the proposition, prepared by the local agency formation commission.

(c) The argument for the proposed district formation.

(d) The argument against the proposed district formation.

The elections officials shall mail a ballot pamphlet to each voter entitled to vote in the district formation election at least 10 days prior to the date of the election. The ballot pamphlet is “official matter” within the meaning of Section 13303 of the Elections Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 146. Effective January 1, 1995.)


text:
Whenever the formation of a local hospital district is desired, a petition may be presented at a regular meeting of the supervising authority of the county in which the land, or a greater portion of the land, in the proposed district is situated, said petition to be signed by the registered voters residing within the boundaries of the proposed district, equal in number to at least 12 percent of the voters registered within the boundaries of the proposed district 30 days prior to the date the petition is filed. The number of written protests required to terminate the proceedings shall be a majority of the registered voters residing in the proposed district.

If a majority of all the votes cast in the proposed district are in favor of organization, the supervising authority by resolution entered on its minutes shall declare the district duly organized under this act, shall give the name of the district as theretofore designated and shall describe the boundaries of such district. The county whose supervising authority declares the district organized shall be designated the “organizing county.”

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 1232.)


text: The elective officers of a local hospital district shall be a board of hospital directors consisting of five members, each of whom shall be a registered voter residing in the district and whose term shall be four years, with the exception of the first board. The first board of directors shall be appointed, upon the formation of the district, by the board of supervisors of the county in which the land or a greater part of the land in the district is situated. Upon appointment, the first board shall, by lot, designate two members who shall leave office when their successors take office pursuant to Section 10554 of the Elections Code, and three members who shall leave office two years thereafter. Any vacancy upon the board shall be filled by the methods prescribed in Section 1780 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 147. Effective January 1, 1995.)

chapter: 2. Board of Directors

article: 1. Election and Organization

path: 23. HOSPITAL DISTRICTS > 2. Board of Directors > 1. Election and Organization


text: The board of hospital directors shall meet on the first Monday subsequent to 30 days after the completion of organization of the district and shall organize by the election of one of their members as chairperson or president and one as secretary.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 32102 by Stats. 1994, Ch. 696, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
A petition to increase the number of members of the board of directors of any district providing at least 225 hospital beds from five to seven members may be signed and filed with the board of directors at least three months prior to any general hospital district election by registered voters residing within any such local hospital district, equal in number to at least 5 percent of the number of votes cast in that district for the office of Governor at the last preceding election at which a Governor was elected. Upon receipt of this petition the board of directors shall prepare a measure to be printed on the ballots used at the next general hospital district election. The measure shall be printed on the ballots substantially as follows:

“Shall the number of directors of the ____ Hospital District be increased from five to seven?”, with the words “Yes” and “No” so printed in connection therewith that the voters may express their choice.

The county elections official of the organizing county shall accept arguments for and against the measure to be mailed to each registered voter in the district, in accordance with the procedure specified in Article 3 (commencing with Section 9160) of Chapter 2 of Division 9 of the Elections Code.

Under the measure, in the manner provided in this article, there shall be printed the names of those persons who have been nominated for the additional directorships.

The returns of the election shall be canvassed and declared as at other general hospital district elections. If a majority of the votes cast in the election are in favor of the measure the board of directors shall by resolution declare that the lawful number of directors of the district has been increased by the designated number of members. If a majority of the votes cast in the election are opposed to the measure, no similar measure shall be placed on the ballot until the next general hospital district election.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 148. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
A petition for election of directors by zones may be signed and filed with the board of directors by registered voters residing within a local hospital district, equal in number to at least 15 percent of the number of votes cast in that district for the office of Governor at the last preceding election at which a Governor was elected. Upon receipt of this petition the board of directors shall, by resolution, divide the local hospital district into zones and number the zones consecutively.

Alternatively, and without a petition, the board of directors may adopt a resolution to divide the district into zones and number the zones consecutively.

In establishing these zones, the board of directors shall provide for representation in accordance with demographic, including population, and geographic factors of the entire area of the local hospital district. The board of directors shall fix the time and place for a hearing on the proposed establishment of zones. At this hearing, any elector of the district may present his or her views and plans in relation to the proposed zoning, but the board of directors shall not be bound thereby and their decision, in the resolution adopted, shall be final.

The zones shall be effective for the next district election after the resolution of the board for which there is time to implement the zones and elections within the zones, unless a petition requesting an election on the resolution, containing the signatures of not less than 5 percent of the qualified registered voters of the district, is filed with the county elections official within 60 days after passage of the resolution. The form of the petition and the requirements and procedures applicable thereto shall be governed by Article 2 (commencing with Section 9140) of Chapter 2 of Division 9 of the Elections Code, except that all computations referred to in those sections shall be construed to refer to comparable computations of the district, and references to “ordinance” shall be construed to refer to “resolution.” For purposes of this section, the electors of the district shall be the electors of the territory entitled to vote at elections for members of the board. If a valid and timely petition is filed with the county elections official, then the board shall prepare a measure to be printed on the ballots used at the next general hospital district election, or at a special election to be held for that purpose. The measure shall be printed on the ballots substantially as follows:

“Shall members of the board of directors be elected by zones, as described in the resolution of the board of directors dated ____?”, with the words “Yes” and “No” so printed in connection therewith that the voters may express their choice.

The county elections official shall accept arguments for and against the measure, to be mailed to each registered voter in the district, in accordance with Article 3 (commencing with Section 9160) of Chapter 2 of Division 9 of the Elections Code.

The returns of the election shall be canvassed and declared as at other general hospital district elections, and if it appears that a majority of the votes cast in the election are in favor of the measure, the board of directors shall by resolution declare the zones established and shall describe the boundaries of the zones. At the expiration of the terms of office of the members of the board of directors then in office, and thereafter, these members of the board of directors shall be elected by zones. One member of the board of directors shall be elected by the electors of each of the zones. No person shall be eligible to hold the office of member of the board of directors unless he or she has been a resident of the zone from which he or she is elected for 30 days next preceding the date of the election.

The formation of a local hospital district may provide for the election of members of the board of directors by zones by substantially including in the petition for formation the provisions required by this section to be included in the measure, and the members of the board of directors shall be elected from the zones as described in the petition, except that the first board of directors shall be appointed, upon the formation of the district, by the board of supervisors of the county in which the land or a greater part of the land in the district is situated. One member of the board shall be appointed from each zone.

The terms of the members of the first board of directors appointed under this section shall be determined by lot. Three members shall hold office for four years, and two members shall hold office for two years. Thereafter, the term of office for all members shall be four years.

Any vacancy upon the board shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the board, from the zone left unrepresented on the board of directors. Any person appointed to fill the vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 150. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text: The election of directors to fill the additional vacancies on the board created by expansion shall be an election at large. A director elected at the election but receiving the lesser number of votes in the election shall hold office until a successor takes office pursuant to Section 10554 of the Elections Code, and the director elected at the election receiving the greater number of votes shall hold office until two years thereafter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 149. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the term of any member of the board of directors shall expire if he or she is absent from three consecutive regular meetings, or from three of any five consecutive meetings of the board and the board by resolution declares that a vacancy exists on the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1513, Sec. 2.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text: If the majority of votes cast in the election specified in Section 32100.01 are in favor of expansion of the board of directors, the board of directors of the district, which has been divided into zones pursuant to Section 32100.1, shall by resolution divide the district into seven zones. The resolution shall also specify the boundaries of each zone. At the expiration of the terms of office of the members of the board of directors then in office, and thereafter, such members of the board of directors shall be elected by the zones established by such resolution.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1971, Ch. 289.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 32100, the members of the first board of directors of a health care district formed, after the effective date of the act that added this section, in the County of Trinity shall be elected at large.

(b) At their first meeting, the members of the directors shall classify themselves by lot into two classes. One class shall have three members and the other class shall have two members. For the class that has three members, the initial term of office shall be four years. For the class that has two members, the initial term of office shall be two years. Thereafter, the term of office of all members shall be four years.

(c) Any vacancies in the office of a member elected to the board of directors shall be filled pursuant to Section 1780 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 18, Sec. 1. Effective April 17, 2006.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text: A district which has added additional directors pursuant to Section 32100.01, but has not been divided into zones, may, in the manner provided by Section 32100.1, divide the district into zones, except that the resolution of the board of directors shall divide the district into seven zones. If at the expiration of the terms of office of the members of the board, in office at the time of such division into zones, four members of the board are to be elected, those four members shall be elected from zones designated by odd numbers; if three members are to be elected, those three members shall be elected from zones designated by even numbers.

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Sections 32100 and 32100.01, the local agency formation commission, in approving either a consolidation of districts or the reorganization of two or more districts into a single hospital district may, pursuant to subdivisions (k) and (n) of Section 56886 of the Government Code, increase the number of directors to serve on the board of directors of the consolidated or reorganized district to 7, 9, or 11, who shall be members of the board of directors of the districts to be consolidated or reorganized as of the effective date of the consolidation or reorganization.

(b) Upon the expiration of the terms of the members of the board of directors of the consolidated district, or a district reorganized as described in subdivision (a), whose terms first expire following the effective date of the consolidation or reorganization, the total number of members on the board of directors shall be reduced until the number equals the number of members permitted by the principal act of the consolidated or reorganized district, or any larger number as may be specified by the local agency formation commission in approving the consolidation or reorganization.

(c) In addition to the powers granted under Section 1780 of the Government Code, in the event of a vacancy on the board of directors of the consolidated district or a district reorganized as described in subdivision (a) at which time the total number of directors is greater than five, the board of directors may, by majority vote of the remaining members of the board, choose not to fill the vacancy. In that event, the total membership of the board of directors shall be reduced by one board member. Upon making the determination not to fill a vacancy, the board of directors shall notify the board of supervisors of its decision.

(d) For the purposes of this section: “consolidation” means consolidation, as defined in Section 56030 of the Government Code; “district” or “special district” means district or special district, as defined in Section 56036 of the Government Code; and “reorganization” means reorganization, as defined in Section 56073 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 172, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
A hospital district general election shall be held in each local hospital district on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each even-numbered year, at which a successor shall be chosen to each officer whose term shall expire when the successor takes office pursuant to Section 10554 of the Elections Code. The hospital district general election shall be consolidated with the statewide general election pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 10400) of Division 10 of the Elections Code.

The person receiving the highest number of votes for each office to be filled at the election shall be elected thereto. The term of office of each elective officer of the district elected, shall be four years, or until his or her successor is elected and has qualified.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 151. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the voters of the Eden Township Hospital District may file a petition with its board of directors pursuant to the provisions of Section 32100.1, to elect its directors either by zones or from zones; provided, however, that the petition shall be deemed sufficient if it is signed by registered voters of the district equal in number to 5 percent of the number of votes cast in the district for the office of Governor at the last preceding election at which a Governor was elected.

The term “by zones” shall mean the election of directors of a local hospital by the voters of the zone alone. The term “from zones” shall mean the election of directors of a local hospital district who are residents of the zone from which they are elected by the voters of the entire district.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 571.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text: Notwithstanding Section 32100.01, the Board of Directors of Valley Health System, a local hospital district, may adopt a resolution to increase the number of members of its board of directors from five to seven without the necessity of a petition or approval thereof by voters residing within the district. The resolution shall become effective on the date and subject to any conditions specified in the resolution. The additional vacancies created by the expansion shall be filled by election. Notwithstanding Section 32100.02, if Valley Health System has duly adopted election of directors by zones pursuant to Section 32100.1, the additional vacancies created by expansion shall likewise be filled by election by zones. Notwithstanding Section 32100.1, the initial election to fill the additional vacancies may be at any one of the regular election dates provided for in Section 2500 of the Elections Code and the resolution shall designate the election date. The director elected at the election but receiving the lesser number of votes shall hold office until a successor elected at the next following general election takes office pursuant to Section 23556 of the Elections Code, and the director elected at the election receiving the greater number of votes shall hold office until a successor elected at the general election two years thereafter takes office. After the expiration of the initial terms as provided in the previous sentence, the terms of directors elected to fill each of the additional vacancies shall be as provided in Section 32100.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 201, Sec. 1. Effective July 18, 1994. Conditionally operative as prescribed by Sec. 2 of Ch. 201. Note: Operational condition relates to execution of certificate of completion for Riverside County LAFCO Case #94-16.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
(a) The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this section:

(1) “Board of supervisors” means the Board of Supervisors of the County of Contra Costa.

(2) “County” means the County of Contra Costa.

(3) “District” means the West Contra Costa Healthcare District.

(4) “District board” means the board of directors of the West Contra Costa Healthcare District.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, the district board shall be dissolved, effective January 1, 2019, and any remaining members removed from office. Thereafter, the board of supervisors shall either elect to serve as the district board, or may appoint a district board as provided in subdivision (c).

(c) (1) If the board of supervisors elects not to serve as the district board pursuant to subdivision (b), it shall appoint a district board consisting of five members, all of whom shall reside in the district. The members appointed by the board may include, but need not be limited to, at least one of each of the following:

(A) A county supervisor.

(B) A city council member of any city located within district boundaries.

(2) The term of a district board member appointed under this subdivision shall be for four years, or until his or her successor qualifies and takes office.

(3) The board of supervisors shall determine whether members of the district board shall serve at the pleasure of the board of supervisors, or for staggered four-year terms, subject to removal for cause. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the board of supervisors.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 133, Sec. 2. (SB 522) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text: All registered voters residing within the territory comprising a district organized under this division are qualified electors.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1945, Ch. 932.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
(a) The board of directors shall serve without compensation except that the board of directors, by a resolution adopted by a majority vote of the members of the board, may authorize the payment of not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) per meeting not to exceed six meetings a calendar month as compensation to each member of the board of directors. Commencing January 1, 2019, if the district compensates its members for more than five meetings in a calendar month, the board of directors shall annually adopt a written policy describing, based on a finding supported by substantial evidence, why more than five meetings per month are necessary for the effective operation of the district.

(b) The board of directors, by ordinance adopted pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 20200) of Division 10 of the Water Code, may increase the amount of compensation received for attending meetings of the board by no more than 5 percent annually.

(c) Each member of the board of directors shall be allowed his or her actual necessary traveling and incidental expenses incurred in the performance of official business of the district as approved by the board. For purposes of this section, the determination of whether a director’s activities on any specific day are compensable shall be made pursuant to Article 2.3 (commencing with Section 53232) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code. Reimbursement for these expenses is subject to Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 170, Sec. 3. (AB 2329) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text: The board of directors shall provide for the time and place of holding its regular meetings and the manner of calling the same, and shall establish rules for its proceedings and may adopt such rules and regulations not inconsistent with law as may be necessary for the exercise of the powers conferred and the performance of the duties imposed upon the board.

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
(a) Except as provided in this section, Section 32155, 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) all of the sessions of the board of directors, whether regular or special, shall be open to the public, and a majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

(b) The board of directors may order that a meeting held solely for the purpose of discussion or deliberation, or both, of reports involving district trade secrets be held in closed session. Except as provided in this subdivision, the closed session shall meet all applicable requirements of Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code, including Section 54957.7.

(c) “Health care facility trade secrets,” as used in this section, means a “trade secret,” as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3426.1 of the Civil Code, and in addition meets all of the following:

(1) Is necessary to initiate a new district service or program or add a district health care facility.

(2) Would, if prematurely disclosed, create a substantial probability of depriving the district of a substantial economic benefit.

(d) The exception provided in subdivision (b) to the general open meeting requirements for a meeting of the board of directors, shall not apply to a meeting where there is action taken, as defined in Section 54952.6 of the Government Code.

(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the board of directors to order a closed meeting for the purposes of discussing or deliberating, or to permit the discussion or deliberation in any closed meeting of any proposals regarding:

(1) The sale, conversion, contract for management, or leasing of any district health care facility or the assets thereof, to any for-profit or nonprofit entity, agency, association, organization, governmental body, person, partnership, corporation, or other district.

(2) The conversion of any district health care facility to any other form of ownership by the district.

(3) The dissolution of any district.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 696, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text: A district may destroy a record pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 60200) of Division 1 of Title 6 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 158, Sec. 25. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (d), no person who is a director, policymaking management employee, or medical staff officer of a hospital owned or operated by a district shall do either of the following:

(1) Possess any ownership interest in any other hospital serving the same area as that served by the district hospital of which the person is a director, policymaking management employee, or medical staff officer.

(2) Be a director, policymaking management employee, or medical staff officer of any hospital serving the same area as the area served by the district hospital.

(b) For purposes of this section, a hospital shall be considered to serve the same area as a district hospital when more than 5 percent of the hospital’s patient admissions are residents of the district.

(c) For purposes of this section, the possession of an ownership interest, including stocks, bonds, or other securities by the spouse or minor children or any person shall be deemed to be the possession or interest of the person.

(d) No person shall serve concurrently as a director or policymaking management employee of a district and as a director or policymaking management employee of any other hospital serving the same area as the district, unless the boards of directors of the district and the hospital have determined that the situation will further joint planning, efficient delivery of health care services, and the best interest of the areas served by their respective hospitals, or unless the district and the hospital are affiliated under common ownership, lease, or any combination thereof.

(e) Any candidate who elects to run for the office of member of the board of directors of a district, and who owns stock in, or who works for any health care facility that does not serve the same area served by the district in which the office is sought, shall disclose on the ballot his or her occupation and place of employment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 696, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
(a) A member of a health care district’s medical or allied health professional staff who is an officer of the district shall not be deemed to be “financially interested,” for purposes of Section 1090 of the Government Code, in any of the contracts set forth in subdivision (b) made by any district body or board of which the officer is a member if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The officer abstains from any participation in the making of the contract.

(2) The officer’s relationship to the contract is disclosed to the body or board and noted in its official records.

(3) If the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) are satisfied, the body or board does both of the following, without any participation by the officer:

(A) Finds that the contract is fair to the district and in its best interest.

(B) Authorizes the contract in good faith.

(b) Subdivision (a) shall apply to the following contracts:

(1) A contract between the district and the officer for the officer to provide professional services to the district’s patients, employees, or medical staff members and their respective dependents, provided that similar contracts exist with other staff members and the amounts payable under the contract are no greater than the amounts payable under similar contracts covering the same or similar services.

(2) A contract to provide services to covered persons between the district and any insurance company, health care service plan, employer, or other entity that provides health care coverage, and that also has a contract with the officer to provide professional services to its covered persons.

(3) A contract in which the district and the officer are both parties if other members of the district’s medical or allied health professional staff are also parties, directly or through their professional corporations or other practice entities, provided the officer is offered terms no more favorable than those offered any other party who is a member of the district’s medical or allied health professional staff.

(c) This section does not permit an otherwise prohibited individual to be a member of the board of directors of a district, including, but not limited to, individuals described in Section 32110 of this code or in Section 53227 of the Government Code. Nothing in this section shall authorize a contract that would otherwise be prohibited by Section 2400 of the Business and Professions Code.

(d) For purposes of this section, a contract entered into by a professional corporation or other practice entity in which the officer has an interest shall be deemed the same as a contract entered into by the officer directly.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 183, Sec. 207. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 1. Election and Organization


text:
Each local district shall have and may exercise the following powers:

(a) To have and use a corporate seal and alter it at its pleasure.

(b) To sue and be sued in all courts and places and in all actions and proceedings whatever.

(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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) To do any and all other acts and things necessary to carry out this division.

(l) To acquire, maintain, and operate ambulances or ambulance services within and without the district.

(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) 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) 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) (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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) The transfer agreement meets all of the requirements of clauses (iii) to (v), inclusive, of subparagraph (A).

(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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) (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) 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) 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) 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) 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) The district is in default of its loan obligations, as determined by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.

(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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 684, Sec. 1. (SB 804) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 2. Powers

path: 23. HOSPITAL DISTRICTS > 2. Board of Directors > 2. Powers


text: 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.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1957, Ch. 640.)

article: 2. Powers


text:
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.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1513, Sec. 7.)

article: 2. Powers


text:
(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) 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) Guarantee purchases of necessary equipment by the physician and surgeon.

(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) 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) 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) 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) Restricts the physician and surgeon from establishing staff privileges at, referring patients to, or generating business for another entity.

(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) 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) A provision which requires the inducement to be repaid with interest if the inducement is repayable.

(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) 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) 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.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 1358, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1993.)

article: 2. Powers


text:
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) That the lease when taken together with any extensions of the lease shall not exceed a total of 30 years.

(b) That the lessee district shall not finance any capital improvements through the use of the lessor district’s credit.

(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) 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.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 698, Sec. 2. Effective October 4, 1993.)

article: 2. Powers


text:
(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) 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.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 92, Sec. 1. (AB 130) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 2. Powers


text: 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.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 322, Sec. 1. (AB 2180) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 2. Powers


text:
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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) The transfer agreement meets all of the requirements of subparagraphs (B) to (E), inclusive, of paragraph (1).

(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) 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) The transfer agreement meets all of the requirements of subparagraphs (C) to (E), inclusive, of paragraph (1).

(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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 135, Sec. 96. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 2. Powers


text: 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.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 151, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 2. Powers


text: 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.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 798, Sec. 3. Effective September 28, 2000.)

article: 2. Powers


text: 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.

article: 2. Powers


text: 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.

article: 2. Powers


text: 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.

article: 2. Powers


text:
(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) 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) 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.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 696, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 2. Powers