Section 127340 Of Chapter 2. Health Policy Research And Evaluation From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 107. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 2.
127340
. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Private not-for-profit hospitals meet certain needs of their
communities through the provision of essential health care and other
services. Public recognition of their unique status has led to
favorable tax treatment by the government. In exchange, nonprofit
hospitals assume a social obligation to provide community benefits in
the public interest.
(b) Hospitals and the environment in which they operate have
undergone dramatic changes. The pace of change will accelerate in
response to health care reform. In light of this, significant public
benefit would be derived if private not-for-profit hospitals reviewed
and reaffirmed periodically their commitment to assist in meeting
their communities' health care needs by identifying and documenting
benefits provided to the communities which they serve.
(c) California's private not-for-profit hospitals provide a wide
range of benefits to their communities in addition to those reflected
in the financial data reported to the state.
(d) Unreported community benefits that are often provided but not
otherwise reported include, but are not limited to, all of the
following:
(1) Community-oriented wellness and health promotion.
(2) Prevention services, including, but not limited to, health
screening, immunizations, school examinations, and disease counseling
and education.
(3) Adult day care.
(4) Child care.
(5) Medical research.
(6) Medical education.
(7) Nursing and other professional training.
(8) Home-delivered meals to the homebound.
(9) Sponsorship of free food, shelter, and clothing to the
homeless.
(10) Outreach clinics in socioeconomically depressed areas.
(e) Direct provision of goods and services, as well as preventive
programs, should be emphasized by hospitals in the development of
community benefit plans.