(a) The establishment of any hospital shall require the prior approval of the council, sitting as the county board of health.
(b) An application shall be filed with the county health officer in the form of a preliminary report containing the name of the hospital, the kind or kinds of service to be provided and the location and physical description of the institution, together with such other information as shall be prescribed by or acceptable to him. The health officer shall notify all professionally and officially concerned parties, organizations and agencies of the filing of the application, set a public hearing not later than six (6) months after the filing of the application and forward the application to the board.
(c) The board shall not approve an application for establishment unless:
(1) There is demonstrated a public need for the establishment at the time and place and under the circumstances proposed.
(2) The proposal is broadly supported by lay and professional associations and groups in the county.
(3) The hospital, if specialized, has a close working relationship with a general hospital to ensure that a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services will be readily available.
(d) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, the board in approving establishment shall take into consideration and be empowered to request information and advice as to:
(1) The availability of facilities or services such as preadmission, ambulatory or home care services which may serve as alternatives or substitutes for the whole or any part of the proposed construction.
(2) The need for special equipment in view of existing utilization of comparable equipment at the time and place and under the circumstances proposed.
(3) The possible economies and improvements in service to be anticipated from the operation of joint central services including but not limited to laboratory, research, radiology, pharmacy, laundry and purchasing.
(4) The adequacy of financial resources and sources of future revenue.
(5) The record and reputation of the applicant as an owner or operator of a hospital or similar institution.
(e) The board shall take no action on any application until after proper notice has been given and a public hearing has been held. The board shall give public notice at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the proposed hearing.
(f) The board shall by resolution approve or disapprove the application within sixty (60) days of the hearing, unless it extends the time for decision.
(Ord. No. 6-18, § 3.)