Bill > HB1379

This bill brings forward Section 41-13-35 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, which comprehensively outlines the extensive powers and responsibilities of community hospital boards of trustees. The bill provides detailed guidelines for hospital board governance, allowing trustees to appoint administrators, delegate authority, manage hospital operations, and engage in a wide range of strategic activities. These activities include investing funds, establishing employee benefit programs, recruiting healthcare professionals, entering into contracts and joint ventures, acquiring facilities, providing various healthcare services, and forming nonprofit corporations. The legislation emphasizes the boards' ability to collaborate and consolidate with other healthcare providers, with specific provisions protecting these actions from antitrust challenges. The bill recognizes the critical role of community hospitals in serving rural and medically underserved populations, and explicitly grants boards significant flexibility to adapt to the evolving healthcare environment. Notably, the bill includes provisions to prevent conflicts of interest, such as requiring a two-thirds vote to accept grants and prohibiting trustees from having personal financial interests in organizations supporting hospitals. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to strengthen community hospitals' capacity to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare services.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1379.xml