Health care districts are
California special districts created to build and operate hospitals and other health care facilities and services in underserved areas.[1] As of 2019, there are 79 health care districts in California.[2] Each health care district is governed by a locally elected five-member board
of directors.[1]Palomar Health in San Diego County is the largest district in California.[3]
In 1945, the
California Legislature passed the Local Hospital District Law which authorized the special districts.[4][1] Most of the current health care districts were established in the first two decades thereafter. In 1965, the Legislature passed the District Reorganization Act of 1965 which made changes to the law.[5] In 1994, they were renamed as "health care districts", reflecting that health care was increasingly being provided outside of the hospital setting.[6]
Powers and functions
Authority granted to health care districts includes:[1]
Operating health care facilities such as hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), adult day health centers, nurses' training school, and child care facilities.
Operating ambulance services within and outside of the district.
Operating programs that provide chemical dependency services, health education, wellness and prevention, rehabilitation, and aftercare.
Carrying out activities through corporations, joint ventures, or partnerships.
Establishing or participating in managed care.
Contracting with and making grants to provider groups and clinics in the community.
Other activities that are necessary for the maintenance of good physical and mental health in communities served by the district.