18-8-108. Authority to enter contract for operation; terms and conditions of contract.

(a) Whenever the board of trustees of a county memorial hospital or special hospital district deems it in the best interests of the county they may with the approval and consent of the board of county commissioners lease or enter into a contract for the operation of the hospital with any person, group, association or corporation. If the board of trustees enters into such a contract or lease the lessee or operator of the hospital shall furnish without charge to residents of the county certified by the county health officer or county department of public assistance and social services as having no means to pay for the same, all necessary facilities and maintenance during the time such persons are required to remain there for proper treatment. The board of trustees shall reimburse the lessee or operator for the hospitalization of indigent persons at rates agreed upon between the board and the operator or lessee, with such reimbursement to be made from funds the board has under its control or made available to it by the board of county commissioners. If a lease or contract is executed the lessee or operator of the hospital shall furnish the board of trustees semiannual reports showing the financial condition of the hospital and all monies received and expended. The board of trustees shall keep the records and make reports required by W.S. 18-8-107 even though the hospital is leased or operated under contract.

(b) A county memorial hospital with the approval and consent of the board of county commissioners, or district hospital with the consent of the board of trustees, may contract with another licensed hospital located within a reasonable distance to share or divide speciality or costly hospital services and equipment, or a county memorial hospital or district hospital with such approval may discontinue or avoid duplication of speciality or costly hospital services and equipment otherwise available to the community served for the purpose of minimizing costs for such hospital services or improving health care.