(A) As used in this chapter, "operator" means a board of county hospital trustees acting under an agreement, or pursuant to a resolution adopted by the board of county commissioners, as provided in this section.

(B) The board of county commissioners may transfer operational control of the county home to the board of county hospital trustees of a county hospital located in the county by either of the following means:

(1) By adopting a resolution to transfer all operational control of the home to the board of county hospital trustees of that county hospital. The board of county hospital trustees also must adopt a resolution to accept the transfer of operational control. In transferring operational control, the board of county commissioners cannot and does not transfer ownership of any real or personal property of the county to the board of county hospital trustees.

(2) By entering into an agreement with the board of county hospital trustees of that county hospital to authorize the board of county hospital trustees to manage and operate the home on behalf of the board of county commissioners. Except as otherwise provided in the agreement, the operator shall carry out the duties of an operator authorized in this chapter in the same manner as otherwise would be required of the board of county commissioners. The agreement may specify duties set forth in this chapter that will be retained by the board of county commissioners instead of being carried out by the operator on behalf of the board. The board of county commissioners shall retain ownership of the county home under the agreement.

Effective Date: 04-29-2005.