(A) A board of trustees of any county hospital may contract for, purchase, or otherwise procure on behalf of any or all of its employees, the employees of the hospital, or such employees and their immediate dependents the following types of fringe benefits:

(1) Group or individual insurance contracts which may include life, sickness, accident, disability, annuities, endowment, health, medical expense, hospital, dental, surgical and related coverage or any combination thereof;

(2) Group or individual contracts with health insuring corporations or other providers of professional services, care, or benefits duly authorized to do business in this state.

(B) A board of trustees of any county hospital may contract for, purchase, or otherwise procure insurance contracts which provide protection for the trustees, the board's employees, and the employees of the hospital against liability, including professional liability, provided that this section or any insurance contract issued pursuant to this section shall not be construed as a waiver of or in any manner affect the immunity of the hospital or county.

(C) All or any portion of the cost, premium, fees, or charges for the insurance benefits specified in divisions (A) and (B) of this section may be paid in such manner or combination of manners as the board of trustees may determine, including direct payment by an employee, and, if authorized in writing by an employee, by the board of trustees with moneys made available by deduction from or reduction in salary or wages or by the foregoing of a salary or wage increase.

Notwithstanding sections 3917.01 and 3917.06 of the Revised Code, the board of trustees may purchase group life insurance authorized by this section by reason of payment of premiums therefor by the board of trustees from its funds, and such group life insurance may be issued and purchased if otherwise consistent with sections 3917.01 to 3917.06 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 10-10-2000; 03-30-2007.