HB 1497 Summary

• Authorizes North Broward Hospital District board of commissioners to conduct quorum meetings in person or by communications media technology as defined in Florida Statutes section 120.54(5)(b)2.

• Grants board authority to establish, own, manage, and operate hospitals, medical facilities, and health care services both within and outside district boundaries, provided all facilities must be located within Florida.

• Prohibits the board from expending ad valorem taxes and non-ad valorem special assessment revenues outside the district's boundaries; revenues must be used solely for health care facilities or services within the district.

• Authorizes board to create for-profit and not-for-profit subsidiaries and affiliates, participate in joint ventures and corporations providing health care services, and contract with individuals, governments, and entities to carry out district purposes.

• Changes North Broward Hospital District's fiscal year from October 1 - September 30 to July 1 - June 30, and clarifies medical staff membership eligibility requirements to include licensed physicians, dentists, podiatrists, psychologists, and osteopathic doctors.