44:5-15. Bond issues by counties for construction or alteration of charitable hospitals

The board of chosen freeholders of a county which has no hospital located therein maintained by the county, other than a hospital or sick ward of a county almshouse, may issue bonds to an amount not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars for the purpose of enabling any charitable hospital located in the county to construct new buildings, make alterations, additions or repairs to old buildings, and provide equipment for such buildings. All of such bonds shall mature within the period fixed by the board of freeholders which period shall not exceed thirty years. The proceeds of the sale of the bonds shall be paid by the county treasurer to the treasurer or other proper officer of the hospital to be expended for the purposes hereinbefore mentioned.

A hospital receiving money under this section shall be bound to treat such poor persons in the county suffering from disease or accident as may apply for admission to the hospital without cost, and the receipt of any money by the hospital under this section shall constitute a contract irrevocable between the hospital and the board of freeholders by virtue of which contract the hospital shall be bound to treat the persons suffering from disease or accident as herein provided, free of cost or charge, when a certificate is produced by the poor person signed by the board of freeholders, its director, or any member thereof, certifying that the poor person is entitled to treatment under the terms of a contract created by this section.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to or prevent an appropriation of money to the hospital under other laws, to be used for the purpose of maintenance, care or treatment of poor persons resident in the county wherein the hospital is located.