There shall be a Department of Hospitals, headed by a Commissioner
of Hospitals who shall be appointed by the County Executive for the
term of office for which the County Executive is elected, subject
to confirmation by the Legislature. In appointing the Commissioner
of Hospitals, the County Executive shall consult with the hospital's
Board of Governors. The Commissioner of Hospitals shall have training
or experience in hospital administration.
Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, the Commissioner
of Hospitals shall have charge and supervision of any hospital established
by the county and shall have and exercise all the powers and duties
conferred or imposed by the General Municipal Law or any other law.
He or she shall perform such other and related duties required by
the County Executive.
There shall be a Board of Governors consisting of ten members
who shall be appointed by the County Executive for a term of five
years, subject to confirmation by the Legislature. Of the members
first appointed to the Hospital Board, one shall hold office for the
term of one year; two for the term of two years; two for the term
of three years; two for the term of four years; and three for the
term of five years from and after their appointment. At least two,
but not more than three, members so appointed shall be physicians,
persons licensed in the health professions, or professionals in the
field of hospital administration. If a vacancy shall occur otherwise
than by expiration of a term, it shall be filled by appointment for
the unexpired term. The Chairperson of such Board shall be selected
by the members of the Board for a term of one year. The Board shall
advise the County Executive and the Legislature in matters relating
to the powers and duties of the Commissioner of Hospitals. The members
of the Board of Governors shall further have the power to inspect
and review all facilities and programs of the Department of Hospitals,
with or without notice to the Commissioner of Hospitals, and may report
and make recommendations to the County Executive, County Legislature
and Commissioner of Hospitals. All such reports shall be deemed public
records and available for inspection at the office of the County Executive
at all reasonable times. The Board of Governors shall also advise
and consult with the Capital Projects Committee with respect to all
capital projects necessary for the Department of Hospitals. The Board
of Governors shall have and exercise such other and related duties
required by the Legislature and the County Executive.