Chapter 749 | Hospitals

Section 749.01 | Legislative authority may levy tax to compensate free public hospital.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The legislative authority of each municipal corporation, annually, may levy and collect a tax not to exceed one mill on each dollar of the taxable property of the municipal corporation and pay the amount to a private corporation or association which maintains and furnishes a free public hospital for the benefit of the inhabitants of the municipal corporation, or not free except to such inhabitants as, in the opinion of a majority of the trustees of such hospital, are unable to pay. Such payment shall be compensation for the use and maintenance of such hospital. Without change or interference in the organization of such corporation or association, the legislative authority shall require the treasurer of such hospital, annually, to make a financial report setting forth all of the money and property which has come into its hands during the preceding year and the disposition thereof, together with any recommendations as to the future necessities of such hospital.

Section 749.02 | Legislative authority may agree with a corporation for hospital service.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may agree with a corporation organized for charitable purposes and not for profit, for the erection and management of a hospital suitably located for the treatment of persons of such municipal corporation who are sick or have disabilities, or for an addition to such hospital, and for a permanent interest therein to such extent and upon such terms as are agreed upon between them, and the legislative authority shall provide for the payment of the amount agreed upon for such interest, either in one payment or in annual installments, as is agreed upon.

Such agreement shall not become operative until approved by a vote of the electors of the municipal corporation as provided in section 749.021 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:02 AM

Section 749.021 | Submission of question to electors.

• Effective: July 2, 2010
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 48 - 128th General Assembly

Upon the execution of the agreement provided for in section 749.02 of the Revised Code the legislative authority of the municipal corporation shall submit to the electors thereof, at the next general election occurring not less than ninety days after the certification of the resolution to the board of elections, the question of the ratification of such agreement, and if the sum to be paid by the municipal corporation under the terms of such agreement is not available from current general revenues thereof, the legislative authority shall also submit to the electors, at the same election, the question of the issue of bonds of the municipal corporation in the amount specified in such agreement for the purpose of providing funds for the payment of such sum. The proceedings in the matter of such election and in the issuance and sale of such bonds shall be as provided by law for municipal bonds. Such agreement shall not be effective, and no bonds shall be issued, unless the electors approve of both the agreement and the bond issue, if the question of the issue of bonds is so submitted.

Section 749.03 | Health facility in another municipal corporation.

• Effective: April 27, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 222 - 125th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "health facility" means both of the following:

(1) A hospital, as defined in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code;

(2) A facility other than a hospital, as defined in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code, where medical care and preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, or palliative items or services are provided to outpatients by or under the direction of a physician or dentist.

(B) The legislative authority of a municipal corporation or a board of hospital commissioners established under section 749.04 of the Revised Code may purchase, acquire, lease, appropriate, or construct a health facility in another municipal corporation to serve as a branch of a hospital erected under sections 749.02 to 749.14 of the Revised Code. The health facility may include office space for physicians. The facility shall be operated pursuant to the law that regulates the operation of the hospital.

(C) When a proposal to establish a health facility in another municipal corporation is made by a board of hospital commissioners, all of the following apply:

(1) The board shall give written notice to the legislative authority of its municipal corporation and to the legislative authority of the municipal corporation where the facility is to be located. The legislative authority of the municipal corporation where the facility is to be located, by resolution adopted within forty days after receipt of the notice, may object to the proposed facility. The resolution shall include an explanation of the objection and may make any recommendations the legislative authority considers necessary. The legislative authority shall send a copy of the resolution to the board of hospital commissioners and the legislative authority of the municipal corporation that proposes to locate the facility in the other municipal corporation.

(2) Except as provided in division (B)(3) of this section, the board of hospital commissioners may establish and operate the facility, unless the legislative authority of the municipal corporation proposing to locate the facility in the other municipal corporation, not later than twenty days after receiving a resolution of objection from the other legislative authority pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section, adopts a resolution denying the board the right to establish the facility.

(3) If the legislative authority of a municipal corporation provides a subsidy for uncompensated care to a board of hospital commissioners, the board may establish and operate the health facility only if that legislative authority approves the establishment of the facility.

Section 749.04 | Board of hospital commissioners.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

When the legislative authority of a municipal corporation enters upon and takes possession of grounds purchased, appropriated, or otherwise obtained for hospital purposes, and, by resolution or ordinance, determines to erect thereon or rebuild a hospital, the erection and repair thereof or any addition thereto shall be vested in the board of hospital commissioners, as established under this section.

Such board shall consist of the mayor and at least three trustees to be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the legislative authority. The members of such board shall be resident freehold electors of the municipal corporation, and they shall receive no compensation for their services.

Section 749.05 | Terms of office; vacancies; quorum.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

The term of office of the appointed members of the board of hospital commissioners shall be four years, but the members first appointed shall hold their offices, respectively, as determined by lot at the first meeting of the board, for the periods of one, two, three, and four years, and thereafter one member shall be appointed each year for the full term of four years. The mayor with the consent of the legislative authority shall fill any vacancy on the board of hospital commissioners not later than sixty days after the vacancy occurs. If the vacancy remains unfilled on that date, the legislative authority shall have thirty additional days to fill the vacancy. If the vacancy remains unfilled for ninety days after the vacancy occurs, the remaining members of the board, by majority vote, shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office as a member for the remainder of that term.

A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum.

Section 749.06 | Powers of board - compensation of appointees.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The board of hospital commissioners may appoint a clerk, an architect, a superintendent, and other necessary employees, fix their compensation, adopt a suitable plan for the hospital, and make all contracts for the erection and furnishing thereof. The salaries of appointees and the plan of the hospital, before any contract for such hospital's erection is entered into, shall be submitted to and approved by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation.

Section 749.07 | Regular meetings, records, adoption of rules.

• Effective: March 28, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 235 - 131st General Assembly

The board of hospital commissioners shall hold regular meetings at such time and place as is agreed upon, and shall keep a complete record of its proceedings. No contract which the board enters into shall be valid until concurred in at a regular meeting by a majority of all the members thereof, and such concurrence entered on the minutes of its proceedings.

Members of the board of hospital commissioners may attend b oard meetings by means of communications equipment authorized under this section by rule of the board, including by video conference or teleconference. Notwithstanding division (C) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code, board members who attend a board meeting by means of authorized communications equipment shall be considered present in person at the meeting, shall be permitted to vote, and shall be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting.

The board of hospital commissioners shall maintain a record of any vote or other action taken at a board meeting conducted by means of authorized communications equipment. The record also shall identify the members attending the board meeting by means of authorized communications equipment.

The board of hospital commissioners shall adopt rules designating the communications equipment that is authorized for use during board meetings. The board also shall adopt rules that establish procedures and guidelines for using authorized communications equipment during board meetings and that ensure verification of the identity of any board members attending board meetings by such means.

Section 749.08 | Management and control of hospitals by board.

• Effective: April 27, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 222 - 125th General Assembly

(A) The board of hospital commissioners shall have the entire management and control of a hospital erected under sections 749.02 to 749.14 of the Revised Code, when completed and ready for use, and shall assume and continue the operation of the hospital. Subject to the ordinances of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, the board shall establish rules for the hospital's government, and the admission of persons to its privileges, as are expedient.

(B) The board has control of the property of the hospital. The board's control of property includes acquiring, holding, possessing, managing, and disposing of real and personal property.

(C) The board may enter into contracts with any person or government entity. No member of the board shall be interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract concerning the hospital.

(D)(1) The board has control of all funds used in the hospital's operation, including moneys received from the operation of the hospital, moneys appropriated for its operation by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, and moneys resulting from special levies submitted by the legislative authority for operation of the hospital. Of those funds, all or part of any amount determined not to be necessary to meet current demands on the hospital may be invested by the board or its designee in any classifications of securities and obligations eligible for deposit or investment of moneys pursuant to section 135.14 of the Revised Code, subject to the approval of the board's written investment policy by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation.

(2) Each disbursement of funds shall be made on a voucher signed by signatories designated and approved by the board.

(3) Unless an expenditure is first authorized by the board, no money shall be paid for any of the following:

(a) The erection, rebuilding, or repair of the hospital;

(b) An addition to the hospital;

(c) Supplies for the hospital;

(d) Replacement of necessary equipment for the hospital;

(e) Acquisition, leasing, or construction of permanent improvements to hospital property;

(f) Donations authorized under division (H) of this section;

(g) Any other use or purpose related to the hospital.

(E) For the use and benefit of the hospital, the board may take and hold in trust any grant or devise of land and any donation or bequest of money or other personal property.

(F) With respect to taking title to or a leasehold interest in property on behalf of the hospital, both of the following apply:

(1) The title to or leasehold interest in the property may be taken in the name of the board or an entity organized for charitable purposes that is under the board's control.

(2) If a transaction occurs or has occurred in which the title to or leasehold interest in the property was taken in the name of the legislative authority of the municipality, the title to or leasehold interest in the property may be conveyed to the board or an entity organized for charitable purposes that is under the board's control.

(G) When the legislative authority of a municipal corporation acquires property for purposes of the hospital, an easement may be acquired in the name of the board.

(H) For the public purpose of improving the health, safety, and general welfare of the community, the board of hospital commissioners may donate to a nonprofit entity any of the following:

(1) Moneys and other financial assets determined not to be necessary to meet current demands on the hospital;

(2) Surplus hospital property, including supplies, equipment, office facilities, and other property;

(3) Services rendered by the hospital.

Section 749.081 | Contract for secured line of credit.

• Effective: January 1, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) For purposes of this section, "bank" has the same meaning as in section 1101.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) The board of hospital commissioners may enter into a contract for a secured line of credit with a bank if the contract meets all of the following requirements:

(1) The term of the contract does not exceed one hundred eighty days;

(2) The board's secured line of credit does not exceed five hundred thousand dollars;

(3) The contract provides that any amount extended must be repaid in full before any additional credit can be extended;

(4) The contract provides that the bank shall not commence a civil action against the legislative authority of a municipal corporation or any member thereof, or the municipal corporation to recover the principal, interest, or any charges or other amounts that remain outstanding on the secured line of credit at the time of any default by the board of hospital commissioners;

(5) The contract provides that no assets other than those of the hospital can be used to secure the line of credit;

(6) The terms and conditions of the contract comply with all state and federal statutes and rules governing the extension of a secured line of credit.

(C) Any obligation incurred by a board of hospital commissioners under division (B) of this section is an obligation of that board only and not a general obligation of the legislative authority of a municipal corporation or the municipal corporation within the meaning of division (Q) of section 133.01 of the Revised Code.

(D) No board of hospital commissioners shall at any time have more than one secured line of credit under division (B) of this section.

Last updated April 5, 2022 at 4:36 PM

Section 749.082 | Director of public safety to control hospital - employee benefits and recruitment.

• Effective: April 27, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 222 - 125th General Assembly

(A) The following apply to the board of hospital commissioners in relation to its employees and the employees of a hospital erected under sections 749.02 to 749.14 of the Revised Code, subject to the ordinances of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation:

(1) The board may adopt the wage and salary schedule for employees.

(2) The board may employ the hospital's administrator pursuant to section 749.083 of the Revised Code, and the administrator may employ individuals for the hospital in accordance with that section.

(3) The board may employ assistants as necessary to perform its clerical work, superintend properly the construction of the hospital, and pay the hospital's expenses. The employees may be paid from funds provided for the hospital.

(4) The board may enter into a contract with an employer or other entity whereby the services of any employee of the board or hospital are rendered to or on behalf of the employer or other entity for a fee paid to the board or hospital.

(5) The board may grant to employees any fringe benefits the board determines to be customary and usual in the nonprofit hospital field in the community, including the following:

(a) Additional vacation leave with full pay for full-time employees, including hourly rate employees, after service of one year;

(b) Vacation leave and holiday pay for part-time employees on a pro rata basis;

(c) Leave with full pay, which shall not be deducted from the employee's accumulated sick leave, due to death in the employee's immediate family;

(d) Moving expenses for new employees;

(e) Premium pay for working on holidays observed by other municipal agencies;

(f) Discounts on purchases from the hospital pharmacy.

(6) The board may provide holiday leave by observing Martin Luther King day, Washington-Lincoln day, Columbus day, and Veterans' day on days other than those specified in section 1.14 of the Revised Code.

(7) The board may grant to employees the insurance benefits authorized by division (B) of this section.

(8) The board may provide employee recognition awards and may hold employee recognition dinners.

(9) The board may provide scholarships for education in the health care professions, tuition reimbursement, and other staff development programs for the purpose of recruiting or retaining qualified employees.

(10) The board may pay reasonable expenses for recruiting physicians into the city or for retaining them if all or part of the city has been designated as an area with a shortage of personal health services under the "Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973," 87 Stat. 914, 42 U.S.C. 300e, as amended.

(B)(1) The board of hospital commissioners may contract for, purchase, or otherwise procure on behalf of any or all of its employees, the employees of the hospital, or such employees and their immediate dependents the following types of fringe benefits:

(a) Group or individual insurance contracts which may include life, sickness, accident, disability, annuities, endowment, health, medical expense, hospital, dental, surgical and related coverage or any combination thereof;

(b) Group or individual contracts with health insuring corporations or other providers of professional services, care, or benefits duly authorized to do business in this state.

(2) The board of hospital commissioners may contract for, purchase, or otherwise procure insurance contracts which provide protection for the commissioners, the board's employees, and the employees of the hospital against liability, including professional liability, provided that this section or any insurance contract issued pursuant to this section shall not be construed as a waiver of or in any manner affect the immunity of the hospital or municipal corporation.

(3) All or any portion of the cost, premium, fees, or charges for the insurance benefits specified in divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section may be paid in such manner or combination of manners as the board may determine, including direct payment by an employee, and, if authorized in writing by an employee, by the board with moneys made available by deduction from or reduction in salary or wages or by the foregoing of a salary or wage increase.

Notwithstanding sections 3917.01 and 3917.06 of the Revised Code, the board may purchase group life insurance authorized by this section by reason of payment of premiums therefor by the board from its funds, and such group life insurance may be issued and purchased if otherwise consistent with sections 3917.01 to 3917.06 of the Revised Code.

(C) The board with the approval of the legislative authority may retain counsel to bring actions for the collection of delinquent accounts.

Last updated March 9, 2022 at 3:54 PM

Section 749.083 | Hospital administrator - powers and duties.

• Effective: April 27, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 222 - 125th General Assembly

(A) The board of hospital commissioners shall provide for the administration of the hospital by directly employing a hospital administrator or by entering into a contract for the management of the hospital under which an administrator is provided. When an administrator is employed directly, the board shall adopt a job description delineating the administrator's powers and duties and the board may pay the administrator's salary and other benefits from funds provided for the hospital.

(B) During the construction and equipping of the hospital, the administrator shall act in an advisory capacity to the board. After the hospital is completed, the administrator shall serve as the chief executive officer and shall carry out the administration of the hospital according to the policies set forth by the board.

The administrator shall administer the hospital, make reports, and take any other action that the administrator determines is necessary for the operation of the hospital.

At the end of each fiscal year, the administrator shall submit to the board a complete financial statement showing the receipts, revenues, and expenditures in detail for the entire fiscal year.

The administrator shall ensure that the hospital has such physicians, nurses, and other employees as are necessary for the proper care, control, and management of the hospital and its patients. The physicians, nurses, and other employees may be suspended or removed by the administrator at any time the welfare of the hospital warrants suspension or removal. The administrator may obtain physicians, nurses, and other employees by direct employment, entering into contracts, or granting authority to practice in the hospital.

Section 749.084 | Construction, acquisition, or lease of property by board.

• Effective: April 27, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 222 - 125th General Assembly

The board of hospital commissioners may do any of the following if the board determines that the action is reasonably related to the operation of the hospital:

(A) Construct an addition to the hospital under the powers vested the board under section 749.04 of the Revised Code;

(B) Acquire an existing structure for the purpose of leasing office space to local physicians;

(C) Lease real property to any person to construct facilities for providing medical services other than inpatient hospital services or otherwise lease or convey interests in real estate for providing medical services other than inpatient hospital services.

Section 749.09 | Plans and specifications.

• Effective: August 1, 1980
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 157 - 113th General Assembly

Before entering into any contract for the erection of a hospital building, the board of hospital commissioners shall have plans, specifications, detailed drawings, and forms of bids prepared, and when adopted by the board, it may have such plans and drawings lithographed, and the specifications, forms of bids, and a form of contract and bid guaranty prepared by the village solicitor or city director of law of the municipal corporation, and have them printed for distribution among the bidders.

Section 749.10 | Terms of contracts.

• Effective: April 27, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 222 - 125th General Assembly

All contracts for the erection of a hospital building shall be made in the name of the municipal corporation or the board of hospital commissioners, and it shall be stipulated therein that the contractor will not execute any extra work, or make any modifications or alterations mentioned in the specifications and plans, unless ordered in writing by the board of hospital commissioners, that the contractor will not claim any pay therefor unless such written order is given, and the additional compensation fixed and agreed upon. Copies of the plans and drawings, attested by the contractor, and the original bids, specifications, and contracts shall be deposited in the office of the clerk of the municipal corporation.

Section 749.11 | Advertise for proposals.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The board of hospital commissioners shall not enter into any contract for work or materials for the erection of a hospital building, except as relates to procuring plans, drawings, specifications, and forms of bids, without first giving thirty days' notice in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the municipal corporation that sealed proposals will be received for doing the work or furnishing the materials.

Section 749.12 | Bids to be accompanied by bid guaranty.

• Effective: August 1, 1980
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 157 - 113th General Assembly

Each bid for work and materials for the erection of a hospital building shall meet the requirements of section 153.54 of the Revised Code.

Section 749.13 | Bids to be sealed and indorsed.

• Effective: September 1, 1976
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 338 - 111th General Assembly

Each bid for work and materials for the erection of a hospital building shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope and deposited with the clerk of the board of hospital commissioners, and such envelopes shall have indorsed thereon the nature of the bid. All bids shall be opened at the time, date, and place specified in the notice to bidders or specifications. The time, date, and place of bid openings may be extended to a later date by the board of hospital commissioners, provided that written or oral notice of the change shall be given to all persons who have received or requested specifications no later than ninety-six hours prior to the original time and date fixed for the opening.

Section 749.14 | Contract with lowest bidder.

• Effective: November 15, 1991
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 233 - 119th General Assembly

The board of hospital commissioners shall enter into a contract for work or materials for the erection of a hospital building with the lowest responsible bidder. The board may reject any bid.

Section 749.16 | Legislative authority may accept participation by district or county for construction of hospital.

• Effective: November 15, 1991
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 233 - 119th General Assembly

The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may, under agreement with a joint township hospital district board, or with the board of county commissioners, accept participation by such district or county in the erection or enlargement of a municipal hospital, or in the maintenance and operation of such a hospital, or both. Such agreement may provide for the amounts to be contributed by such district or county, as the case may be, for the construction and enlargement of such hospital, for its maintenance and operation, the rights and privileges to be enjoyed by the district and its inhabitants, or by the county and its inhabitants, by virtue of such contributions, and its rights of representation upon the municipal corporation's board of hospital commissioners or board of governors.

Section 749.161 | Participation in joint township hospital district.

• Effective: September 24, 1971
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 343 - 109th General Assembly

The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may, in the manner provided in section 513.071 of the Revised Code, cause such municipal corporation to participate in the formation of, or become a part of, a joint township hospital district, obtain representation on the joint township district hospital board thereof, and as a township be or become bound by all agreements entered into by such joint township hospital district pursuant to sections 513.07 to 513.18, inclusive, of the Revised Code, and the taxable property in such municipal corporation shall thereupon be or become subject to all tax levies, including tax levies for bonds, imposed by the joint township hospital district.

Section 749.17 | Enlarged board of hospital commissioners.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

If an agreement under section 749.16 of the Revised Code becomes operative, the municipal corporation may enlarge its board of hospital commissioners, established under sections 749.04 and 749.05 of the Revised Code, so as to admit to membership thereon such representatives of the participating joint township hospital district, or such representatives of the county, as provided for in such agreement, and the board shall thereupon proceed under and be governed by sections 749.06 to 749.14, inclusive, of the Revised Code, subject to such additional restrictions upon its authority and procedure as are imposed by the agreement.

Section 749.18 | Board of governors of municipal hospital - powers.

• Effective: March 28, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 235 - 131st General Assembly

If an agreement under section 749.16 of the Revised Code concerns or includes participation of a joint township hospital district, or of a county, in the maintenance and operation of a municipal hospital, the municipal corporation may establish a board of governors to exercise, subject to such further limitations as are imposed by the agreement, the powers vested in the board of hospital commissioners, provided that any such limitations shall not deny the board of governors the authority to retain counsel, to institute legal action in its own name, or to employ any other lawful means, for the collection of delinquent accounts. The board of governors may include in its membership representatives of a participating district who are electors of the district, or of a participating county who are electors of that county or an adjacent county, as are provided for in the agreement.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, the municipal members of the board of governors shall consist of the mayor and at least three resident freeholders of the municipal corporation, at least one of whom shall be a doctor of medicine, to be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the legislative authority. However, if necessary to secure qualified individuals to serve on the board of governors, the municipal members of the board may be residents of the county in which the municipal corporation is located or of an adjacent county.

The term of office of municipal members of the board of governors shall be as provided in section 749.05 of the Revised Code and vacancies on the board with respect to those members shall be filled as provided in that section. Unless otherwise provided in the agreement, any vacancy on the board with respect to a member appointed by a participating joint township hospital district or county shall be filled by the appointing body not later than ninety days after the vacancy occurs and if the vacancy remains unfilled on that date, the remaining members of the board, by majority vote, shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy. Unless otherwise provided in the agreement, vacancies on the board with respect to any other members shall be filled by the remaining members of the board, by majority vote. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office as a member for the remainder of that term.

The board of governors, subject to the terms of the agreement, shall establish regulations and elect officers as its members determine. The members shall be entitled to the compensation for their services provided by the agreement.

Members of the board of governors may attend board meetings by means of communications equipment authorized under this section by rule of the board, including by video conference or teleconference. Notwithstanding division (C) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code, board members who attend a board meeting by means of authorized communications equipment shall be considered present in person at the meeting, shall be permitted to vote, and shall be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting.

The board of governors shall maintain a record of any vote or other action taken at a board meeting conducted by means of authorized communications equipment. The record also shall identify the members attending the board meeting by means of authorized communications equipment.

The board of governors shall adopt rules designating the communications equipment that is authorized for use during board meetings. The board also shall adopt rules that establish procedures and guidelines for using authorized communications equipment during board meetings and that ensure verification of the identity of any board members attending board meetings by such means.

Section 749.19 | Hospital membership in public health and welfare associations.

• Effective: November 4, 1965
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 340 - 106th General Assembly

The governing body of any publicly owned hospital may authorize such hospital to be a member of and maintain membership in any local, state, or national group or association organized and operated for the promotion of the public health and welfare or advancement of the efficiency of hospital administration and in connection therewith to use tax funds for the payment of dues and fees not to exceed, in the aggregate, the sum of five thousand dollars in any one year.

Section 749.20 | Property donated for hospital purposes.

• Effective: November 15, 1991
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 233 - 119th General Assembly

In any municipal corporation which is the owner or trustee of property for hospital purposes, or of funds to be used in connection therewith, by deed of gift, devise, or bequest, such property or funds shall be managed and administered in accordance with the provisions of such deed of gift, devise, or bequest.

Section 749.21 | Board of hospital trustees for donated property.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

When the deed of gift, devise, or bequest mentioned in section 749.20 of the Revised Code requires the investment, or the change of investment, of the principal of such property or funds, or any part thereof, to be made upon the approval of an advisory committee appointed by the court, such property or funds, and any hospital property for the care or management of which, in whole or in part, such fund is used, shall be managed, controlled, and administered by a board of hospital trustees.

Section 749.22 | Appointment of trustees - compensation - term - vacancy - oath - bond.

• Effective: March 20, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 291 - 132nd General Assembly

The board of hospital trustees provided by section 749.21 of the Revised Code shall consist of eight resident electors of the municipal corporation, who shall be appointed by the board of trustees of the sinking fund, or, in the event that the board of trustees of a sinking fund ceases to function within such municipal corporation by operation of law, they shall be appointed by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation. Each member of such board shall serve without compensation for the term of four years. When the terms of members presently holding office expire, of those first appointed thereafter, one shall be appointed for a term of one year, one for a term of two years, one for a term of three years, and one for a term of four years. The remaining appointments shall be one for one year, one for two years, one for three years, and one for four years, and thereafter their successors shall be appointed two each year to serve for the term of four years, but not more than four shall be of the same political party. Vacancy in the board by death, resignation, or otherwise shall be filled in like manner for the remainder of the term.

The members of the board of hospital trustees, before entering upon the discharge of their duties, shall take the oath of office prescribed by section 733.68 of the Revised Code, and, except as otherwise provided in the municipal charter or in section 3.061 of the Revised Code, shall give bond in the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars, conditioned according to section 733.71 of the Revised Code and to the approval of the mayor and the legislative authority of the municipal corporation.

Section 749.23 | Meetings of board - rules and regulations - quorum - clerk.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The board of hospital trustees shall hold meetings at least once a month, and shall adopt all necessary rules for the regulation of its business. It shall keep a complete record of all its proceedings, which record, or copy thereof, certified by the clerk of the board, shall be competent evidence of the transactions of the board in all the courts of this state, and the ayes and nays shall be called upon the passage of every resolution or order. Five members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business, and no resolution or order shall be adopted or contract or other obligation entered into unless five members vote in favor thereof.

No member of the board shall be interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract concerning any hospital under the control of such board.

The municipal auditor or clerk shall act as the clerk of such board, and shall receive no additional salary or compensation for such services.

Section 749.24 | Powers and duties of board of hospital trustees.

• Effective: April 27, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 222 - 125th General Assembly

The board of hospital trustees shall, subject to any ordinance of the municipal corporation, have the entire management and control of the property or funds mentioned in section 749.20 of the Revised Code, and shall establish such rules for the government thereof as it deems expedient. Such board shall also have the entire control of the expenditure of all moneys therefrom and they shall be disbursed by the treasurer of the municipal corporation only upon the warrant of the municipal auditor or clerk, drawn in accordance with the order of such board.

The board may apply, control, invest, and reinvest the funds coming or arising from any gift, devise, or bequest according to the terms on which it was acquired.

Section 749.25 | Rules for management and control of property.

• Effective: November 15, 1991
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 233 - 119th General Assembly

The board of hospital trustees shall have the entire management and control of the erection, rebuilding, and repair of all buildings, and the entire management and control of all grounds acquired pursuant to section 749.20 of the Revised Code, and shall adopt rules for the protection, care, and government thereof. Such rules, when approved by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, shall have the same effect and may be enforced by the same penalties as ordinances thereof.

Section 749.26 | Procedure before entering into contracts.

• Effective: September 28, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 129th General Assembly

The board of hospital trustees, before entering into any contract for the erection of a hospital building, or for the rebuilding or repair of a hospital building, the cost of which exceeds fifty thousand dollars, shall have plans, specifications, detailed drawings, and forms of bids prepared, and when adopted by the board it shall have them printed for distribution among the bidders.

Section 749.27 | Making of contracts.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

All contracts mentioned in section 749.26 of the Revised Code shall be made in the name of the board of hospital trustees, and it shall be stipulated therein that the contractors will not execute any extra work or make any modifications or alterations in the specifications and plans, unless ordered in writing by the board, that they will not claim pay therefor unless such written order is given, and the additional compensation fixed and agreed upon. Copies of the plans and drawings, attested by the contractor, and the original bids, specifications, and contracts shall be deposited in the office of the clerk of the municipal corporation.

Section 749.28 | Notice for bids.

• Effective: September 28, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 129th General Assembly

The board of hospital trustees shall not enter into a contract for work or supplies where the estimated cost exceeds fifty thousand dollars, without first giving thirty days' notice in one newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation that sealed proposals will be received for doing the work or furnishing the materials and supplies.

Section 749.29 | Bond shall accompany each bid.

• Effective: August 1, 1980
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 157 - 113th General Assembly

Each bid submitted under section 749.28 of the Revised Code for a contract for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of an improvement shall meet the requirements of section 153.54 of the Revised Code. Each bid submitted under section 749.28 of the Revised Code for any other contract shall be accompanied with a bond, signed by sufficient sureties, for the acceptance of the contract if awarded by the board of hospital trustees, to fully secure any difference between the amount of such bid and the next higher bid; such amount shall be collected by the board and paid into the hospital fund in case of the refusal by the bidder to enter into a contract according to his bid within such reasonable time as the board determines.

Section 749.30 | Bids shall be sealed.

• Effective: September 1, 1976
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 338 - 111th General Assembly

Each bid submitted under section 749.28 of the Revised Code shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope and deposited with the clerk of the board of hospital trustees, and such envelope shall have indorsed thereon the nature of the bid. All bids shall be opened at the time, date, and place specified in the notice to bidders or specifications. The time, date, and place of bid openings may be extended to a later date by the board of hospital trustees, provided that written or oral notice of the change shall be given to all persons who have received or requested specifications no later than ninety-six hours prior to the original time and date fixed for the opening.

Section 749.31 | Contract to lowest and best bidder - exception.

• Effective: September 28, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 129th General Assembly

Except where the contract is for equipment, services, materials, or supplies available from a qualified nonprofit agency pursuant to sections 4115.31 to 4115.35 of the Revised Code, the board of hospital trustees shall enter into a contract for work or supplies where the estimated cost exceeds fifty thousand dollars with the lowest and best bidder. Where the contract is for other than the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of an improvement, the board shall enter into the contract when the bidder gives bond to the board, with such security as the board approves, that the bidder will perform the work and furnish materials or supplies in accordance with the contract. On the failure of such bidder within a reasonable time, to be fixed by the board, to enter into bond with such security, a contract may be made with the next lowest and best bidder, and so on until a contract is effected by a contractor giving such bond. The board may reject any bid.

Section 749.32 | Power of board to incur liabilities.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The board of hospital trustees shall incur no liability for hospital purposes beyond the amount of the funds levied or received for such purposes.

Section 749.33 | Employment of superintendents, physicians, and employees.

• Effective: April 27, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 222 - 125th General Assembly

The board of hospital trustees may employ such employees as are necessary for the execution of its duties and fix their compensation. Any of such persons may be removed by the board at any time. The board may provide to its employees such of the benefits, awards, and staff development programs listed in section 749.082 of the Revised Code as the board determines to be customary and usual in the nonprofit hospital field in its community.

Section 749.34 | Report to legislative authority.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

On the first Monday in January of each year, the board of hospital trustees shall make a report to the legislative authority of the municipal corporation of its proceedings, with a detailed statement of its receipts and expenditures during the year. The board shall also, at the proper time, submit to the legislative authority a detailed estimate of the amount necessary to maintain and improve such hospital for the ensuing year.

Section 749.35 | Leasing general municipal hospital.

• Effective: November 15, 1991
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 233 - 119th General Assembly

In lieu of sections 749.04 to 749.34 of the Revised Code regarding any general hospital owned by a municipal corporation, or any general hospital in which a joint township hospital district board or a board of county commissioners is participating with a municipal corporation under section 513.08 or 749.16 of the Revised Code, the council of such municipal corporation may, upon such terms as are agreed between the council and a constituted and empowered nonsectarian Ohio corporation, organized for charitable purposes and not for profit, a majority of whose members reside in the county in which said municipal corporation is located, lease for use as a general hospital, the lands, buildings, and equipment of any such general hospital; provided, that if a joint township hospital district board or a board of county commissioners is participating with a municipal corporation under section 513.08 or 749.16 of the Revised Code, the joint township hospital district board or the board of county commissioners must approve said lease and if said lease is being renewed, the joint township hospital district board or the board of county commissioners must approve said renewal.

Such lease may be from year to year or may provide for a term of not more than thirty years and may provide that such council has the option to renew such lease, but subject to the approval by such board of such renewal where so participating with a municipal corporation, at the expiration thereof for a further term of not more than thirty years upon such terms as are provided for in such lease. In the event that said nonprofit corporation fails to faithfully and efficiently administer, maintain, and operate such hospital as a public general hospital, admitting patients without regard to race, creed, or color, then, after an opportunity is given to be heard upon written charges, said agreement may be terminated and the control and management of said hospital, together with all additions, improvements, and equipment, shall revert to and become the property of the municipal corporation or municipal corporation and joint township hospital district board, or municipal corporation and board of county commissioners, to be operated as provided by law.

Section 749.36 | Chapter 140 provisions are alternatives.

• Effective: September 24, 1971
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 343 - 109th General Assembly

Sections 140.03 and 140.05 of the Revised Code are alternatives to sections 749.01 to 749.18, inclusive, 749.21 to 749.31, inclusive, and 749.33 to 749.35, inclusive, of the Revised Code. Those sections of Chapter 749. of the Revised Code shall not be applicable with respect to hospital facilities and services provided for under leases and agreements entered into pursuant to section 140.03 or 140.05 of the Revised Code, except to the extent made applicable by section 140.03 or 140.05 of the Revised Code and the leases and agreements made thereunder.

Section 749.37 | Contracts not subject to competitive bidding.

• Effective: October 13, 2020
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 4 - 133rd General Assembly

Notwithstanding any conflicting provision of sections 749.09 to 749.14 and 749.26 to 749.31 of the Revised Code, Chapter 153. of the Revised Code, or any other competitive bidding requirement specified in the Revised Code that requires a public authority to enter into separate contracts for the design and construction of a public improvement.

(A) A board of hospital commissioners or a board of hospital trustees may enter into a single contract under which the entity awarded the contract is responsible for providing both design and construction services related to the erection of a hospital, any addition to the hospital, or any other improvement to the hospital or its properties involving alteration, repair, replacement, renovation, installation, or demolition.

(B) During the period of the emergency declared by Executive Order 2020-01D, issued on March 9, 2020, a board of hospital commissioners or a board of hospital trustees may purchase personal protective equipment necessary to respond to the emergency without following competitive bidding procedures. As used in this section, "personal protective equipment" means equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause workplace injuries and illnesses.

This section does not otherwise alter the competitive bidding requirements that apply to the board when entering into a contract for a public improvement.