Section 31-7-406. Purpose of public hearing; factors to be addressed in disclosure

   The purpose of the public hearing shall be to ensure that the public's interest is protected when the assets of a nonprofit hospital are acquired by an acquiring entity by requiring full disclosure of the purpose and terms of the transaction and providing an opportunity for local public input. The disposition of a nonprofit hospital to an acquiring entity shall not be in the public interest unless there has been adequate disclosure that appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that the transaction is authorized, to safeguard the value of charitable assets, and to ensure that any proceeds of the transaction are used for appropriate charitable health care purposes. Such disclosure shall address, at a minimum, the following factors:

   (1) Whether the disposition is permitted under Chapter 3 of Title 14, the "Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code," and other laws of Georgia governing nonprofit entities, trusts, or charities;

   (2) Whether the disposition is consistent with the directives of major donors who have contributed over $100,000.00;

   (3) Whether the governing body of the nonprofit corporation exercised due diligence in deciding to dispose of hospital assets, selecting the acquiring entity, and negotiating the terms and conditions of the disposition;

   (4) The procedures used by the nonprofit corporation in making its decision to dispose of its assets, including whether appropriate expert assistance was used;

   (5) Whether any conflict of interest was disclosed, including, but not limited to, conflicts of interest related to directors or officers of the nonprofit corporation and experts retained by the parties to the transaction;

   (6) Whether the seller or lessor will receive fair value for its assets, including an appropriate control premium for any relinquishment of control or, in the case of a proposed disposition to a not for profit entity, will receive an enforceable commitment for fair and reasonable community benefits for its assets;

   (7) Whether charitable assets are placed at unreasonable risk if the transaction is financed in part by the seller or lessor;

   (8) Whether the terms of any management or services contract negotiated in conjunction with the transaction are reasonable;

   (9) Whether any disposition proceeds will be used for appropriate charitable health care purposes consistent with the nonprofit corporation's original purpose or for the support and promotion of health care in the affected community;

   (10) Whether a meaningful right of first refusal to repurchase the assets by a successor nonprofit corporation or foundation has been retained if the acquiring entity subsequently proposes to sell, lease, or transfer the hospital to yet another entity;

   (11) Whether sufficient safeguards are included to assure the affected community continued access to affordable care and to the range of services historically provided by the nonprofit corporation;

   (12) Whether the acquiring entity has made an enforceable commitment to provide health care to the disadvantaged, the uninsured, and the underinsured and to provide benefits to the affected community to promote improved health care; and

   (13) Whether health care providers will be offered the opportunity to invest or own an interest in the acquiring entity or a related party, and whether procedures or safeguards are in place to avoid conflict of interest in patient referrals.

Code 1981, § 31-7-406, enacted by Ga. L. 1997, p. 1091, § 1.