HB 2287 - DIGEST

     Provides that a person may not engage in the acquisition of a hospital without first having applied for and received the approval of the department under this act.

     Directs the department, in consultation with the attorney general, to determine if the application is complete for the purposes of review.

     Provides that, during the course of review under this act, the department shall conduct one or more public hearings, at least one of which must be in the county where the hospital to be acquired is located.

     Provides that the department shall approve an application only if the parties to the acquisition of a nonprofit hospital have taken the proper steps to safeguard the value of charitable assets and ensure that any proceeds from the acquisition are used for appropriate charitable health purposes.

     Provides that the department shall approve an application only if the acquisition in question will not detrimentally affect the continued existence of accessible, affordable health care that is responsive to the needs of the community in which the hospital to be acquired is located.

     Directs the department to require periodic reports from a nonprofit corporation or its successor nonprofit corporation or foundation and from the acquiring person and other parties to the acquisition to ensure compliance with commitments made.