DEFINITION OF LOCAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY
Senate Bill 1357
Sponsor: Sen. Michelle A. McManus
House Committee: Senior Health, Security, and Retirement
Senate Committee: Health Policy
Complete to 9-19-06
A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 1357 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 9-13-06
The bill would amend the definition of "hospitals" and "community hospitals and related facilities" in the Hospital Finance Authority Act (dealing with local hospital authorities) to include a long-term care facility, an assisted living facility, a home for the aged, a senior citizen housing facility, and a health and wellness facility.
Currently, the definition includes buildings or structures and related facilities suitable for, incidental, or ancillary to the care of the sick or wounded, or for the care of people requiring medical treatment, and buildings or structures and related facilities shared by one or more hospitals. The definition currently lists outpatient clinics, ambulatory care facilities, diagnostic facilities, shared service facilities, laundries, staff residences, administration buildings, and research buildings, among others.
The bill would also add care of the elderly in the definition, in addition to the current "sick or wounded."
Under the act, two or more cities, villages, or townships, or a combination of those local units, with voter approval, may join to form a hospital authority and issue bonds for the purpose of planning, promoting, acquiring, constructing, improving, owning, maintaining, and operating one or more community hospitals and related buildings or structures and related facilities.
MCL 331.1
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would expand the types of facilities that can be included under these hospital authorities, which have the authority to issue bonds and levy taxes.
Fiscal Analyst: Jim Stansell
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.