Bill > H4087

This bill modifies the laws governing the Highlands County Hospital District to establish new procedures for the district's Board of Commissioners when considering leasing or selling the hospital's assets to either for-profit or not-for-profit corporations. Before entering into a lease or management agreement, the board must conduct a thorough evaluation of the public benefits, including contracting with an independent entity to assess the hospital's fair market value and the community's needs, and hold public meetings for resident testimony. Similarly, before selling the hospital's assets, the board must undertake a comparable evaluation process, advertise for qualified purchasers, and disclose any conflicts of interest. The bill also mandates that the hospital district website publish all relevant documents and evaluations for public review for 30 days before a vote, and the final agreement must ensure the continued provision of quality healthcare services, especially for the indigent, uninsured, and underinsured. If the board approves a sale, the hospital district must file the agreement with the Department of Commerce and notify them of the sale, after which the district will be dissolved. The bill also allows for judicial review of the board's decisions, limited to procedural compliance, and assigns court costs equitably. Finally, the bill clarifies that its provisions supersede conflicting state laws regarding hospital sales or leases and will be interpreted broadly to achieve its intended purpose.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/4087