37650-37660

GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 37650-37660




37650.  This article applies only to cities where a municipal
hospital has not been established.



37650.1.  Except as provided in this article, any hospital managed
by a city legislative body and organized under this article shall
have and may exercise any of the powers granted to hospitals managed
by a board of hospital trustees and organized under Article 7
(commencing with Section 37600) of Chapter 5 of Part 2 of Division 3
of Title 4 of the Government Code. It is the intent of the
Legislature in enacting this section that any powers granted to a
hospital board of trustees under Article 7 (commencing with Section
37600) of Chapter 5 of Part 2 of Division 3 of Title 4 of the
Government Code, including, but not limited to, (1) the power to
collect compensation pursuant to Section 37604.1, and (2) the power
to meet in closed session pursuant to Section 37624.3, shall also be
granted to a city legislative body.



37650.2.  (a) A city legislative body which operates a municipal
hospital pursuant to this article shall meet as the hospital
governing body at least once a month at the time and place it fixes
by resolution.
   (b) A city legislative body which operates a municipal hospital
pursuant to this article shall have and may exercise the following
powers in addition to those powers described in this article and
Article 7 (commencing with Section 37600) of Chapter 5 of Part 2 of
Division 3 of Title 4 of the Government Code:
   (1) To have and use a corporate seal and alter it at its pleasure.
   (2) To sue and be sued in all courts and places and in all actions
and proceedings whatever.
   (3) To exercise the right of eminent domain for the purposes of
acquiring real or personal property of every kind necessary to the
exercise of any of the powers of the municipal hospital.



37651.  Upon receiving a petition signed by 15 percent of the city
electors, the legislative body may submit to the electors at a
general or special election the question whether a municipal hospital
shall be established in the city.


37652.  If a majority of the votes cast at the election is for the
proposition, the municipal hospital is established.



37653.  The legislative body may acquire real or personal property
and construct and equip such buildings as it deems necessary and
suitable for the conduct of the hospital.



37654.  The legislative body may maintain the hospital or provide
for its operation and maintenance by tenants. The legislative body
may enter into leases of all or any part of the hospital for such
purpose. Such lease shall not run for a term in excess of ten years.




37655.  The legislative body may prescribe rules for the
administration of the hospital and the terms upon which patients may
be admitted to it.


37656.  (a) The legislative body may appoint and fix the
compensation of physicians, surgeons, and necessary officers and
employees of the hospital. Officers and employees hold office at the
pleasure of the legislative body.
   (b) The legislative body may prescribe the duties and powers of
the hospital administrator, secretary, and other officers and
employees of the hospital. The officers and employees shall hold
their offices at the pleasure of the legislative body.



37657.  In receiving a money donation, the city may agree to pay the
donors interest not exceeding 7 percent a year upon the principal
during the lifetime of the donors or the survivor. Such a payment
shall not be made for more than 40 years. The principal of such a
donation shall not be repaid.



37658.  The indebtedness shall be incurred and interest paid
pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 43600) of Chapter 4 of
Division 4. The ordinance calling the bond election shall not
contain any statement as to bonds to be issued. In general terms the
ordinance shall describe the proposed donation, the purpose for which
it is to be used, and the terms upon which it is to be made and
accepted.



37659.  The city may incur a bonded indebtedness pursuant to Article
1 (commencing with Section 43600) of Chapter 4 of Division 4, for
the acquisition of real or personal property for the hospital and its
construction and equipment.
   The question of incurring such an indebtedness may be submitted at
the election determining whether a hospital is to be established.



37660.  Annually the legislative body shall levy and collect a
property tax for:
   (a) The maintenance of the hospital.
   (b) The payment of interest upon any indebtedness created pursuant
to this article.
   (c) A sinking fund for the payment of bonds.