Section 321-581 - Authority of the department of healthThe department of health may:
(1) Conduct long-term care and substance abuse treatment at Leahi hospital and Maluhia;(2) Pay rent to the University of Hawaii for the use of the Leahi hospital property, at a rate and on terms to be negotiated between the department of health and the University of Hawaii;(3) Use moneys from the mental health and substance abuse special fund established pursuant to section 334-15 to fund the department's operations at Leahi hospital and Maluhia;(4) Develop and implement its own policies, procedures, and rules necessary or appropriate to plan, operate, manage, and control Leahi hospital and Maluhia without regard to chapter 91;(5) Enter into and perform any contract, lease, cooperative agreement, partnership, or other transaction whatsoever that may be necessary or appropriate in the performance of its purposes and responsibilities, and on any terms the department may deem appropriate with either: (A) Any agency or instrumentality of the United States, or with any state, territory, possession, or subdivision thereof; or(B) Any person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation, whether operated on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis; provided that the transaction furthers the public interest;(6) Conduct activities and enter into business relationships the department deems necessary or appropriate, including but not limited to: (A) Creating nonprofit corporations, including but not limited to charitable fundraising foundations, to be controlled wholly by the department or jointly with others; and(B) Entering into partnerships and other joint venture arrangements, or participating in alliances, purchasing consortia, health insurance pools, or other cooperative agreements with any public or private entity; provided that any corporation, venture, or relationship entered into under this section shall further the public interest;(7) Make and alter facility bylaws and rules for the organization and management of Leahi hospital and Maluhia without regard to chapter 91;(8) Contract for and accept any gifts, grants, and loans of funds or property, or any other aid in any form from the federal government, the State, any state agency, or any other source, or any combination thereof, in compliance with the terms and conditions thereof;(9) Provide health and medical services to the public directly or by agreement or lease with any person, firm, or private or public corporation, partnership, or association through or in Leahi hospital and Maluhia or otherwise; and(10) Approve medical staff bylaws, rules, and medical staff appointments and reappointments for Leahi hospital and Maluhia, including but not limited to determining the conditions under which a health professional may be extended the privilege of practicing within Leahi hospital or Maluhia, as determined by the department or facility management, and adopting and implementing reasonable rules, without regard to chapter 91, for the credentialing and peer review of all persons and health professionals within the facility; provided that the department or facility management shall be the governing body responsible for all medical staff organization, peer review, and credentialing activities to the extent allowed by law.Added by L 2021, c 212,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2021.