Title 23.1. Institutions of Higher Education; Other Educational and Cultural Institutions
Subtitle IV. Public Institutions of Higher Education
Chapter 24. Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority
Chapter 24. Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority.
§ 23.1-2400. Definitions.As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Authority" means the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority.
"Board" means the board of directors of the Authority.
"Bonds" means bonds, notes, revenue certificates, lease participation certificates, or other evidences of indebtedness or deferred purchase financing arrangements.
"Chief executive officer" means the chief executive officer of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority.
"Costs" means (i) costs of (a) construction, reconstruction, renovation, site work, and acquisition of lands, structures, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, and other property rights and interests; (b) demolition, removal, or relocation of buildings or structures; (c) labor, materials, machinery, and all other kinds of equipment; (d) engineering and inspections; (e) financial, legal, and accounting services; (f) plans, specifications, studies, and surveys; (g) estimates of costs and of revenues; (h) feasibility studies; and (i) issuance of bonds, including printing, engraving, advertising, legal, and other similar expenses; (ii) financing charges; (iii) administrative expenses, including administrative expenses during the start-up of any project; (iv) credit enhancement and liquidity facility fees; (v) fees for interest rate caps, collars, swaps, or other financial derivative products; (vi) interest on bonds in connection with a project prior to and during construction or acquisition thereof and for a period not exceeding one year thereafter; (vii) provisions for working capital to be used in connection with any project; (viii) redemption premiums, obligations purchased to provide for the payment of bonds being refunded, and other costs necessary or incident to refunding of bonds; (ix) operating and maintenance reserve funds, debt reserve funds, and other reserves for the payment of principal and interest on bonds; (x) all other expenses necessary, desirable, or incidental to the operation of the Authority's facilities or the construction, reconstruction, renovation, acquisition, or financing of projects, other facilities, or equipment appropriate for carrying out the purposes of this chapter and the placing of the same in operation; or (xi) the refunding of bonds.
"Hospital facilities" means all property or rights in property, real and personal, tangible and intangible, including all facilities suitable for providing hospital and health care services and all structures, buildings, improvements, additions, extensions, replacements, appurtenances, lands, rights in land, furnishings, landscaping, approaches, roadways, and other related and supporting facilities owned, leased, operated, or used, in whole or in part, by Virginia Commonwealth University as part of, or in connection with, MCV Hospitals in the normal course of its operations as a teaching, research, and medical treatment facility.
"Hospital obligations" means all debts or other obligations, contingent or certain, owing to any person or other entity on the transfer date, arising out of the operation of MCV Hospitals as a medical treatment facility or the financing or refinancing of hospital facilities and including all bonds and other debts for the purchase of goods and services, whether or not delivered, and obligations for the delivery of services, whether or not performed.
"Project" means any health care, research, or educational facility or equipment necessary or convenient to or consistent with the purposes of the Authority, whether owned by the Authority, including hospitals; nursing homes; continuing care facilities; self-care facilities; wellness and health maintenance centers; medical office facilities; clinics; outpatient clinics; surgical centers; alcohol, substance abuse, and drug treatment centers; laboratories; sanitariums; hospices; facilities for the residence or care of elderly or chronically ill individuals or individuals with disabilities; residential facilities for nurses, interns, and physicians; other kinds of facilities for the treatment of sick, disturbed, or infirm individuals, the prevention of disease, or maintenance of health; colleges, schools, or divisions offering undergraduate or graduate programs for the health professions and sciences and such other courses of study as may be appropriate, together with research, training, and teaching facilities; all necessary or desirable related and supporting facilities and equipment or equipment alone, including (i) parking, kitchen, laundry, laboratory, wellness, pharmaceutical, administrative, communications, computer, and recreational facilities; (ii) power plants and equipment; (iii) storage space; (iv) mobile medical facilities; (v) vehicles; (vi) air transport equipment; and (vii) other equipment necessary or desirable for the transportation of medical equipment, medical personnel, or patients; and all lands, buildings, improvements, approaches, and appurtenances necessary or desirable in connection with or incidental to any project.
"Transfer date" means a date or dates agreed to by the board of visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University and the Authority for the transfer of employees to the Authority and for the transfer of hospital facilities, or any parts thereof, to and the assumption, directly or indirectly, of hospital obligations by the Authority, which dates for the various transfers and the various assumptions may be different, but in no event shall any date be later than June 30, 1997.
"University" means Virginia Commonwealth University.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, § 23-50.16:4; 2000, c. 720; 2016, c. 588; 2023, cc. 148, 149.
A. The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority is established as a public body corporate, public instrumentality, and political subdivision of the Commonwealth with such public and corporate powers as are set forth in this chapter.
B. The purpose of the Authority is to exercise public and essential governmental functions to provide for the health, welfare, convenience, knowledge, benefit, and prosperity of the residents of the Commonwealth and such other individuals who might be served by the Authority by delivering and supporting the delivery of medical care and related services to such residents and individuals, providing educational opportunities in the medical field and related disciplines, conducting and facilitating research in the medical field and related disciplines, and enhancing the delivery of health care and related services to the Commonwealth's indigent population. The Authority may perform such public and essential government functions with the power and purpose to:
1. Provide health care, including indigent care, to protect and promote the health and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth;
2. Serve as a high-quality teaching hospital to provide and promote health care by educating medical and health sciences professionals, providing medical services not widely available in the Commonwealth, and treating patients of the type and on the scale necessary to facilitate medical research and attract physicians, faculty members, researchers, and other individuals necessary to maintain quality medical and health sciences education;
3. Facilitate and support the health education, research, and public service activities of the Health Sciences Schools of the University;
4. Serve as the principal teaching and training hospital for undergraduate and graduate students of the Health Sciences Schools of the University;
5. Provide a site for faculty members of the Health Sciences Schools of the University to conduct medical and biomedical research; and
6. Operate and manage general hospital and other health care facilities, engaging in specialized management and operational practices to remain economically viable, earning revenues necessary for operations, and participating in arrangements with public and private entities and other activities, taking into account changes that have occurred or may occur in the future in the provision of health care and related services.
C. The Authority shall operate, maintain, and expand, as appropriate, teaching hospitals and related facilities for the benefit of the Commonwealth and its citizens and such other individuals who might be served by the Authority.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, §§ 23-50.16:2, 23-50.16:3; 2000, c. 720; 2016, c. 588.
A. The Authority shall be governed by a board of directors with a total of 21 members that consists of 19 appointed members and two ex officio members. The 19 appointed members shall consist of six nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor, of whom two shall be physician-faculty members; five members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, of whom two shall be physician-faculty members; three members to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, of whom one shall be a physician-faculty member; and five nonlegislative citizen members of the board of visitors of the University to be appointed by the rector of the board of visitors of the University, all of whom shall be members of the board of visitors of the University at all times while serving on the board. The President of the University and the Vice-President for Health Sciences of the University, or the individual who holds such other title as subsequently may be established by the board of visitors of the University for the chief academic and administrative officer for the Health Sciences Schools of the University, shall serve ex officio with voting privileges.
All appointed members except those who are members of the board of visitors of the University shall have demonstrated experience or expertise in business, health care management, or legal affairs.
B. The five appointed physician-faculty members shall be faculty members of the University with hospital privileges at MCV Hospitals at all times while serving on the board.
C. The Governor, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, and the Senate Committee on Rules shall appoint physician-faculty members after consideration of names from lists submitted by the faculty physicians of the School of Medicine of the University through the Vice-President for Health Sciences of the University. The list shall contain at least two names for each vacancy.
D. Members shall serve for terms of three years. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term. No member shall serve for more than two consecutive three-year terms; however, a member appointed to serve an unexpired term is eligible to serve two consecutive three-year terms. Members who serve two consecutive three-year terms are eligible for reappointment one year after the expiration of their second term. All appointments are subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Members shall continue to hold office until their successors have been appointed and confirmed. Ex officio members shall serve a term coincident with their term of office.
E. Neither the board members appointed from the board of visitors of the University nor the ex officio members shall vote on matters that require them to breach their fiduciary duties to the University or to the Authority.
F. Any member may be removed for malfeasance, misfeasance, incompetence, or gross neglect of duty by the individual or entity that appointed him or, if such appointing individual no longer holds the office creating the right of appointment, by the current holder of that office.
G. The president of the University shall serve as the chairman of the board. The board shall elect annually a vice-chairman from among its membership. The board shall also elect a secretary and treasurer and such assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers as the board may authorize for terms determined by the board, each of whom may or may not be a member of the board. The same individual may serve as both secretary and treasurer.
H. The board may appoint an executive committee and other standing or special committees and prescribe their duties and powers, and any executive committee may exercise all such powers and duties of the board under this chapter as the board may delegate.
I. The board may provide for the appointment, employment, term, compensation, and removal of officers, employees, and agents of the Authority, including engineers, consultants, lawyers, and accountants, as the board deems appropriate.
J. The board shall meet at least four times each year and may hold such special meetings as it deems appropriate.
K. The board may adopt, amend, and repeal such policies, regulations, procedures, and bylaws not contrary to law or inconsistent with this chapter as it deems expedient for its own governance and for the governance and management of the Authority.
L. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for meetings, and the board may act by a majority of those present at any meeting.
M. Legislative board members are entitled to such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12 and nonlegislative citizen board members are entitled to such compensation for the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2813. All members are entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Authority.
N. The provisions of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§ 2.2-3100 et seq.) shall apply to the members of the board and the employees of the Authority.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, § 23-50.16:5; 1998, c. 449; 2000, c. 720; 2004, c. 1000; 2014, cc. 3, 456; 2016, c. 588.
A. The Authority shall be under the immediate supervision and direction of a chief executive officer, subject to the policies and direction established by the board. The chief executive officer may be the individual who holds the title of Vice-President for Health Sciences of Virginia Commonwealth University, or such other title as subsequently may be established by the board of visitors of the University for the chief academic and administrative officer for the Health Sciences Schools of the University. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the selection and removal of the chief executive officer, and the conditions of appointment, including salary, shall be made jointly by the board and the board of visitors of the University at a joint meeting of the board and the board of visitors of the University upon a vote of a majority of the members of each board present and voting at the aforementioned joint meeting, acting separately in accordance with applicable provisions of law.
B. In the event that a majority of the members of each board do not agree upon the selection, removal, or conditions of appointment, including salary, of the chief executive officer as provided in subsection A, then each board shall appoint a committee of three members of its respective board to consider the matter upon which the boards disagree. The selection, removal, or conditions of appointment shall be made jointly by the two committees at a joint meeting of the committees upon a vote by a majority of the members of each committee present and voting at the joint meeting. In the event that a majority of the members of each committee agree upon the selection, removal, or conditions of appointment of the chief executive officer, then the decision shall be reported to the board and the board of visitors of the University, each of which shall be bound by the decision of the committees. In the event that a majority of the members of each committee do not agree on the selection, removal, or conditions of appointment of the chief executive officer within 30 days of the appointment of the committees by each board, then the president of the University shall decide upon the matter upon which the committees disagree. The president of the University shall report his decision to both boards, each of which shall be bound by the decision of the president.
C. The chief executive officer shall devote his full time to the performance of his official duties and shall not be engaged in any other profession or occupation.
D. The chief executive officer shall supervise and administer the operation of the Authority in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, § 23-50.16:7; 2000, c. 720; 2014, cc. 3, 456; 2016, c. 588; 2023, c. 734.
A. The Authority has all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter, including the power to:
1. Sue and be sued in its own name;
2. Have and alter an official seal;
3. Have perpetual duration and succession in its name;
4. Locate and maintain offices at such places as it may designate;
5. Make and execute contracts, guarantees, or any other instruments and agreements necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions, including contracts with hospitals or health care businesses to operate and manage any or all of the hospital facilities or operations, and incur liabilities and secure the obligations of any entity or individual;
6. Conduct or engage in any lawful business, activity, effort, or project consistent with the Authority's purposes or necessary or convenient to exercise its powers;
7. Exercise, in addition to its other powers, all powers that are (i) granted to corporations by the provisions of Title 13.1 or similar provisions of any successor law, except in those cases in which the power is confined to corporations created under such title, and (ii) not inconsistent with the purposes and intent of this chapter or the limitations included in this chapter;
8. Accept, hold, and enjoy any gift, devise, or bequest to the Authority or its predecessors to be held for the uses and purposes designated by the donor, if any, or if not so designated, for the general purposes of the Authority, whether given directly or indirectly, and accept, execute, and administer any trust or endowment fund in which it has or may have an interest under the terms of the instrument creating the trust or endowment fund;
9. Borrow money and issue bonds as provided in this chapter and purchase such bonds;
10. Seek financing from, incur or assume indebtedness to, and enter into contractual commitments with the Virginia Public Building Authority and the Virginia College Building Authority, which authorities may borrow money and make and issue negotiable notes, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness to provide such financing relating to the hospital facilities or any project;
11. Seek financing from, incur or assume indebtedness to, and enter into contractual commitments with the Commonwealth as otherwise provided by law relating to the hospital facilities or any project;
12. Procure such insurance, participate in such insurance plans, or provide such self-insurance as it deems necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter. The purchase of insurance, participation in an insurance plan, or creation of a self-insurance plan by the Authority is not a waiver or relinquishment of any sovereign immunity to which the Authority or its officers, directors, employees, or agents are otherwise entitled;
13. Develop policies and procedures generally applicable to the procurement of goods, services, and construction based upon competitive principles;
14. Except as to those hospital facilities or any part of such facilities that are leased to the Authority by the University, the control and disposition of which shall be determined by such lease instruments:
a. Own, hold, improve, use, and otherwise deal with real or personal property, tangible or intangible, or any right, easement, estate, or interest in such property, acquired by purchase, exchange, gift, assignment, transfer, foreclosure, lease, bequest, devise, operation of law, or other means on such terms and conditions and in such manner as it may deem proper;
b. Sell, assign, lease, encumber, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of any project, any other real or personal property, tangible or intangible, any right, easement, estate, or interest in such property, or any deed of trust or mortgage lien interest that it owns, that is under its control or custody or in its possession;
c. Release or relinquish any right, title, claim, lien, interest, easement, or demand however acquired, including any equity or right of redemption in property foreclosed by it; and
d. Take any action pursuant to subdivision 14 by public or private sale or with or without public bidding, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law;
15. Accept loans, grants, contributions, or other assistance from the federal government, the Commonwealth, any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or any other public or private source to carry out any of the purposes of this chapter and enter into any agreement or contract regarding the acceptance, use, or repayment of any such loan, grant, contribution, or assistance in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter;
16. Exercise the power of eminent domain pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1 to acquire by condemnation any real property, including fixtures and improvements, that it may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, upon (i) its adoption of a resolution declaring that the acquisition of such property is in the public interest and necessary for public use and (ii) the approval of the Governor. The Authority may acquire property already devoted to a public use, provided that no property belonging to any locality, religious corporation, unincorporated church, or charitable corporation may be acquired without its consent;
17. Fix, revise, charge, and collect rates, rentals, fees, and other charges for the services or facilities furnished by or on behalf of the Authority and establish policies, procedures, and regulations regarding any such service rendered or the use, occupancy or operation of any such facility. Such charges and policies, procedures, and regulations are not subject to supervision or regulation by any commission, board, bureau, or agency of the Commonwealth except as otherwise provided by law for the providers of health care;
18. Consistent with § 23.1-2407, create, assist in the creation of, own in whole or in part, control, participate in or with any public or private entity, purchase, receive, subscribe for, own, hold, vote, use, employ, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge, or otherwise acquire or dispose of any (i) shares or obligations of, or other interests in, any entities organized for any purpose within or outside the Commonwealth and (ii) obligations of any person or corporation;
19. Participate in joint ventures with individuals, corporations, governmental bodies or agencies, partnerships, associations, insurers, or other entities to facilitate any activities or programs consistent with the public purposes and intent of this chapter;
20. Create a nonprofit entity for the purpose of soliciting, accepting, and administering grants, outright gifts and bequests, endowment gifts and bequests, and gifts and bequests in trust. Such entity shall not engage in trust business or duplicate such activities by the University or its related foundations;
21. Provide appropriate assistance, including making loans and providing time of employees, to corporations, partnerships, associations, joint ventures, or other entities whether such entities are owned or controlled in whole or in part or directly or indirectly by the Authority;
22. Provide, promote, support, and sponsor education and scientific research in medicine, public health, and related fields and promote public knowledge in medicine, public health, and related fields;
23. Administer programs to assist in the delivery of medical and related services to the citizens of the Commonwealth and others;
24. Participate in and administer federal, state, and local programs affecting, supporting, or carrying out any of its purposes; and
25. Exercise independently the powers conferred by this chapter in furtherance of its corporate and public purposes.
B. The exercise of the powers permitted by this chapter shall be deemed the performance of essential governmental functions and matters of public necessity for the entire Commonwealth in the provision of health care, medical and health sciences education, and research for which public moneys may be borrowed, loaned, spent, or otherwise utilized and private property may be utilized or acquired.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, §§ 23-50.16:2, 23-50.16:6, 23-50.16:11, 23-50.16:12, 23-50.16:13, 23-50.16:14; 2003, c. 940; 2006, c. 673; 2016, c. 588; 2017, c. 314.
A. The Authority may acquire, plan, design, construct, own, rent as landlord or tenant, operate, control, remove, renovate, enlarge, equip, and maintain, directly or through stock or nonstock corporations or other entities, any project as defined in this chapter. Such projects may be owned or operated by the Authority or other parties or jointly by the Authority and other parties and may be operated within or outside the Commonwealth, so long as (i) their operations are necessary or desirable to assist the Authority in carrying out its public purposes within the Commonwealth and (ii) any private benefit resulting to any such other private parties from any such project is merely incidental to the public benefit of the project.
B. In the operation of hospitals and other health care and related facilities, the Authority may make and enforce all policies, procedures, and regulations necessary or desirable for such operation, including those relating to the conditions under which the privilege of practicing may be available in such facilities, the admission and treatment of patients, the procedures for determining the qualification of patients for indigent care or other programs, and the protection of patients and employees, provided that such policies, procedures, and regulations do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, § 23-50.16:9; 2016, c. 588; 2020, c. 1137.
A. The Authority may adopt and enforce reasonable policies, procedures, and regulations governing (i) access to, conduct in or on, and use of its property and facilities and the surrounding streets, sidewalks, and other public areas and (ii) other matters affecting the safety and security of Authority property and individuals using or occupying Authority property. Such policies, procedures, and regulations have the force and effect of law (a) after publication one time in full in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality where the affected property is located and (b) when posted where the individuals using such property may conveniently see them.
B. The campus police department of the University, established in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 (§ 23.1-809 et seq.) of Chapter 8, may enforce on Authority property the laws of the Commonwealth and policies and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection A. To the extent that such police services are not provided by the University, the Authority may establish a police department in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 8, except that the employment of such personnel by the Authority is not subject to the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.).
The exercise of the powers granted by this chapter is in all respects for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Commonwealth and the promotion of their safety, health, welfare, knowledge, convenience, and prosperity. No part of the assets or net earnings of the Authority shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to any private individual, except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the Authority affecting one or more of its purposes, and benefits may be conferred that are in conformity with its purposes. No private individual is entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets upon dissolution of the Authority.
A. All moneys of the Authority derived from any source shall be paid to the treasurer of the Authority. Such moneys shall be deposited in the first instance by the treasurer in one or more banks or trust companies, in one or more special accounts. All banks and trust companies may give security for such deposits, if required by the Authority. The moneys in such accounts shall be paid out on the warrant or other orders of the treasurer of the Authority or such other person as the Authority may authorize to execute such warrants or orders.
B. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Authority may invest its operating funds in any obligations or securities that are considered legal investments for public funds in accordance with the Investment of Public Funds Act (§ 2.2-4500 et seq.). The board shall adopt written investment guidelines and retain an independent investment advisory firm or consultant to review at least every five years the suitability of the Authority's investments and the consistency of such investments with the investment guidelines.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, § 23-50.16:14; 2016, c. 588; 2017, c. 314.
Localities may lend or donate money or other property to the Authority for any of the Authority's purposes. The local governing body making the grant or loan may restrict the use of such grants or loans to a specific project within or outside that locality.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, § 23-50.16:11; 2016, c. 588; 2017, c. 314.
A. The Authority shall select through a process of competitive negotiation either (i) the Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives or (ii) a certified public accounting firm to annually audit the Authority's accounts.
B. The Authority shall distribute copies of the annual audit to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.
C. The Auditor of Public Accounts and his legally authorized representatives may examine the accounts and books of the Authority; however, the Authority is not a state or governmental agency, advisory agency, public body or agency, or instrumentality for purposes of Chapter 14 (§ 30-130 et seq.) of Title 30.
D. The Authority is subject to periodic external review under the provisions of the Legislative Program Review and Evaluation Act (§ 30-65 et seq.).
A. The Authority is not required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any (i) project, property, or operations of the Authority or the income from such projects, property, or operations or (ii) project, property, or local obligation acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this chapter or the income from such projects, property, or local obligations. Such exemptions shall not extend to persons conducting businesses on the Authority's property for which payment of state or local taxes would otherwise be required.
B. Any bonds issued by the Authority under the provisions of this chapter, the transfer of such bonds, and the income from such bonds and all rents, fees, charges, gifts, grants, revenues, receipts, and other moneys received or pledged to pay or secure the payment of such bonds are exempt from taxation and assessment of every kind by the Commonwealth and by the local governing bodies and other political subdivisions of the Commonwealth.
A. The University may lease, convey, or otherwise transfer to the Authority any or all assets and liabilities appearing on the balance sheet of MCV Hospitals and any or all of the hospital facilities, except real estate that may be leased to the Authority for a term not to exceed 99 years, upon such terms as may be approved by the University.
B. Any transfer of hospital facilities pursuant to subsection A is conditioned upon the existence of a binding agreement between the University and the Authority:
1. That requires the Authority to assume, directly or indirectly, hospital obligations that are directly relating to the hospital facilities or any part of the hospital facilities that are transferred, including rentals as provided in subsection C or a combination of rentals and other obligations in the case of a lease of hospital facilities;
2. That provides that, effective on the transfer date, the Authority shall assume responsibility for, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the University and its officers and directors with respect to:
a. All liabilities and duties of the University pursuant to contracts, agreements, and leases for commodities, services, and supplies used by MCV Hospitals, including property leases;
b. All claims relating to the employment relationship between employees of the Authority and the University on and after the transfer date;
c. All claims for breach of contract resulting from the Authority's action or failure to act on and after the transfer date;
d. All claims relating to the Authority's errors and omissions, including medical malpractice, directors' and officers' liability, workers' compensation, automobile liability, premises liability, completed operations liability, and products liability resulting from the Authority's action or failure to act on and after the transfer date; and
3. By which the Authority shall accept and agree to abide by provisions that ensure the continued support of the education, research, patient care, and public service missions of MCV Hospitals, including:
a. A requirement that the Authority continue to provide emergency and inpatient indigent care services on the MCV campus of the University in locations including downtown Richmond; and
b. A requirement that the Authority continue to act as the primary teaching facility for the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and the Health Sciences Schools of the University.
C. Any lease of hospital facilities from the University to the Authority may include a provision that requires the Authority to pay the University a rental payment for the hospital facilities that are leased. For those hospital facilities for which rent is paid, the rent shall be at least equal to the greater of:
1. The debt service accruing during the term of the lease on all outstanding bonds issued for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction, or improvement of the hospital facilities on which rent is paid; or
2. A nominal amount determined by the parties to be necessary to prevent the lease from being unenforceable because of a lack of consideration.
D. Any lease of hospital facilities shall include a provision that requires the Authority to continue to support the education, research, patient care, and public service missions of MCV Hospitals, including:
1. A requirement that the Authority continue to provide emergency and inpatient indigent care services on the MCV campus of the University in locations including downtown Richmond; and
2. A requirement that the Authority continue to act as the primary teaching facility for the Health Sciences Schools of the University.
E. All other agencies and officers of the Commonwealth shall take such actions as may be necessary or desirable in the judgment of the University to permit such conveyance and the full use and enjoyment of the hospital facilities, including the transfer of property of any type held in the name of the Commonwealth or an instrumentality or agency of the Commonwealth but used by the University in the operation of the hospital facilities.
F. The Authority may pay to or on behalf of the University some or all of the costs of the hospital facilities. The University may apply some or all of such proceeds to the payment or defeasance of its obligations issued to finance the hospital facilities, and the Authority may issue its bonds to finance or refinance such payment.
G. Funds held by or for the University or any of its predecessors or divisions, including funds held by the University Foundation or the MCV Foundation for the benefit of MCV Hospitals or any of its predecessors for use in operating, maintaining, or constructing hospital facilities, providing medical and health sciences education, or conducting medical or related research may be transferred, in whole or in part, to the Authority if the University or any foundation determines that the transfer is consistent with the intended use of the funds. The University may direct in writing that all or part of the money or property representing its beneficial interest under a will, trust agreement, or other donative instrument be distributed to the Authority if the University determines that such direction furthers any of the original purposes of the will, trust agreement, or other instrument. Such a direction shall not be considered a waiver, disclaimer, renunciation, assignment, or disposition of the beneficial interest by the University. A fiduciary's distribution to the Authority pursuant to such a written direction from the University is a distribution to the University for all purposes relating to the donative instrument, and the fiduciary has no liability for distributing any money or property to the Authority pursuant to such a direction. Nothing in this section shall deprive any court of its jurisdiction to determine whether such a distribution is appropriate under its cy pres powers or otherwise.
H. The Authority shall not operate any hospital pursuant to this section prior to execution of the lease and agreement required by this section and such other agreements as may be necessary or convenient in the University's judgment to provide for the transfer of the operations of the hospital facilities to the Authority, unless and to the extent that the University approves otherwise.
I. The University may assign and the Authority may accept the rights and assume the obligations under any contract or other agreement of any type relating to financing or operating the hospital facilities. Upon evidence that such assignment and acceptance has been made, all agencies and instrumentalities of the Commonwealth shall consent to such assignment and accept the substitution of the Authority for the University as a party to such agreement to the extent that the University's obligations under such agreement relate to the ownership, operation, or financing of the hospital facilities. Indebtedness previously incurred by the Commonwealth, the Virginia Public Building Authority, the Virginia College Building Authority, and any other agency or instrumentality of the Commonwealth to finance the hospital facilities may continue to remain outstanding after the transfer and assignment of such agreement by the University to the Authority.
J. The transfer of the hospital facilities from the University to the Authority does not require a certificate of public need pursuant to Article 1.1 (§ 32.1-102.1 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 32.1. All licenses, permits, certificates of public need, or other authorizations of the Commonwealth, any agency of the Commonwealth, or any locality held by the University in connection with the ownership or operation of the hospital facilities are transferred without further action to the Authority to the extent that the Authority undertakes the activity permitted by such authorizations. All agencies and officers of the Commonwealth and all localities shall confirm such transfer by the issuance of new or amended licenses, permits, certificates of public need, or other authorizations upon the request of the University and the Authority.
K. If for any reason the Authority cannot replace the University as a party to any agreement in connection with the financing, ownership, or operation of the hospital facilities, the Authority and the University may require the Authority to act as agent for the University in carrying out its obligations under such agreement or receiving the benefits under such agreement, or both.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, §§ 23-50.16:17, 23-50.16:20, 23-50.16:21, 23-50.16:22, 23-50.16:23; 2016, c. 588.
A. All capital projects of the Authority shall be approved by the board. Within 30 days after approval of any capital project in excess of $5 million, the board shall notify the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees of the scope, cost, and construction schedule of the proposed capital project. The board may undertake the project unless either Committee raises objections within 30 days of the notification, in which case the Authority shall not undertake the project until such objections are resolved.
B. Before the Authority materially increases the size or materially changes the scope of any capital project for which construction has commenced, such project shall be approved again by the board in accordance with subsection A and, in the case of any capital project in excess of $5 million, presented again to the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees in accordance with subsection A.
C. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Authority is not subject to any further process or procedure that requires the submission, review, or approval of any capital project; however, the Authority shall ensure that Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) Code or any successor code and fire safety inspections are conducted for any capital project and that such projects are inspected by the State Fire Marshal or his designee prior to certification for building occupancy.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, § 23-50.16:18; 2016, c. 588; 2017, c. 314.
Leases of real property that the Authority enters into are exempt from the provisions of § 2.2-1149 and from any policies, regulations, and guidelines of the Division of Engineering and Buildings.
A. Employees of the Authority shall be employed on such terms and conditions as established by the Authority. The board shall develop and adopt policies and procedures that afford its employees grievance rights, ensure that employment decisions are based upon the merit and fitness of applicants, and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
B. The Authority shall issue a written notice to all individuals whose employment is transferred to the Authority. The date upon which such written notice is issued is referred to in this section as the "Option Date." Each individual whose employment is transferred to the Authority may, by written request made within 180 days of the Option Date, elect not to become employed by the Authority. Any employee of MCV Hospitals who (i) elects not to become employed by the Authority; (ii) is not reemployed by any department, institution, board, commission, or agency of the Commonwealth; (iii) is not offered alternative employment by the Authority; (iv) is not offered a position with the Authority for which the employee is qualified; or (v) is offered a position by the Authority that requires relocation or a reduction in salary is eligible for the severance benefits conferred by the provisions of the Workforce Transition Act (§ 2.2-3200 et seq.). Any employee who accepts employment with the Authority has voluntarily separated from state employment and is not eligible for the severance benefits conferred by the provisions of the Workforce Transition Act.
C. Without limiting its power generally with respect to employees, the Authority may employ any University employee utilized in the operation of the hospital facilities and assume obligations under any employment agreement for such employee, and the University may assign any such contract to the Authority.
D. The Authority and the University may enter into agreements providing for the purchase of services of University employees utilized in the operation of the hospital facilities by paying agreed-upon amounts to cover all or part of the salaries and other costs of such employees.
E. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any employee whose employment is transferred to the Authority as a result of this chapter and who is a member of any plan for providing health insurance coverage pursuant to Chapter 28 (§ 2.2-2800 et seq.) of Title 2.2 shall continue to be a member of such health insurance plan under the same terms and conditions of such plan.
F. Notwithstanding subsection A of § 2.2-2818, the costs of providing health insurance coverage to employees who elect to continue to be members of the state employees' health insurance plan shall be paid by the Authority.
G. Any employee of the Authority may elect to become a member of any health insurance plan established by the Authority. The Authority may (i) establish a health insurance plan for the benefit of its employees, residents, and interns and (ii) enter into an agreement with the Department of Human Resource Management providing for the coverage of its employees, interns, and residents under the state employees' health insurance plan, provided that such agreement requires the Authority to pay the costs of providing health insurance coverage under such plan.
H. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any employee whose employment is transferred to the Authority as a result of this chapter and who is a member of the Virginia Retirement System or another retirement plan as authorized by Article 4 (§ 51.1-125 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 51.1 shall continue to be a member of the Virginia Retirement System or such other authorized retirement plan under the same terms and conditions of such plan. Any such employee and any employee employed by the Authority between July 1, 1997, and June 30, 1998, who elected to be covered by the Virginia Retirement System may elect, during an open enrollment period from April 1, 2001, through April 30, 2001, to become a member of the retirement plan established by the Authority for the benefit of its employees pursuant to § 23.1-2416 by transferring assets equal to the actuarially determined present value of the accrued basic benefit as of the transfer date. The Authority shall reimburse the Virginia Retirement System for the actual cost of actuarial services necessary to determine the present value of the accrued basic benefit of employees who elect to transfer to the Authority's retirement plan. The following rules shall apply to such transfers:
1. With respect to any transferred employee who elects to remain a member of the Virginia Retirement System or another authorized retirement plan, the Authority shall collect and pay all employee and employer contributions to the Virginia Retirement System or such other authorized retirement plan for retirement in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of Title 51.1 for such transferred employees.
2. Transferred employees who elect to become members of the retirement plan established by the Authority for the benefit of its employees shall be given full credit for their creditable service as defined in § 51.1-124.3, vesting and benefit accrual under the retirement plan established by the Authority. For any such employee, employment with the Authority shall be treated as employment with any nonparticipating employer for purposes of the Virginia Retirement System or other retirement plan as authorized by Article 4 (§ 51.1-125 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 51.1.
3. For transferred employees who elect to become members of the retirement plan established by the Authority, the Virginia Retirement System or other such authorized plan shall transfer to the retirement plan established by the Authority assets equal to the actuarially determined present value of the accrued basic benefit as of the transfer date. For the purposes of such calculation, the basic benefit is the benefit accrued under the Virginia Retirement System or another authorized retirement plan based on creditable service and average final compensation as defined in § 51.1-124.3 and determined as of the transfer date. The actuarial present value shall be determined on the same basis, using the same actuarial factors and assumptions used in determining the funding needs of the Virginia Retirement System or such other authorized retirement plan so that the transfer of assets to the retirement plan established by the Authority has no effect on the funded status and financial stability of the Virginia Retirement System or other such authorized retirement plan.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, § 23-50.16:24; 1998, c. 449; 2000, cc. 66, 657; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2016, c. 588; 2017, c. 314; 2020, c. 1137.
A. The Authority may establish and determine the effective date of one or more retirement plans covering in whole or in part its employees, including employees who, prior to the effective date of any plan established pursuant to this section, participated in any plan established pursuant to § 51.1-126 or 51.1-126.1 or former § 51.1-126.2. The Authority may make contributions for the benefit of its employees who elect to participate in such plan or arrangement rather than in any other retirement system established by Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of Title 51.1.
B. Except in the case of an employee of the Authority hired prior to July 1, 1998, who made an irrevocable election to participate in the retirement plan established by Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of Title 51.1 or any plan previously established by the Authority in accordance with guidelines established by the Authority, each eligible employee of the Authority shall participate in a plan established by the Authority pursuant to subsection A.
C. No employee of the Authority who is an active member of a plan established pursuant to subsection A shall also be an active member of the retirement system established pursuant to Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of Title 51.1 or a beneficiary of such retirement system other than as a contingent annuitant.
D. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the contribution by the Authority to any other retirement plan established pursuant to subsection A on behalf of employees of the Authority hired before July 1, 1998, shall be equal to the lesser of (i) the contribution the Commonwealth would be required to make if the employee were a member of the retirement system established by Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of Title 51.1 or (ii) eight percent of creditable compensation. The contribution by the Authority to any retirement plan established pursuant to subsection A on behalf of employees of the Authority hired on or after July 1, 1998, shall be determined by the board.
E. If the University has adopted a retirement plan under § 51.1-126 for its employees who are engaged in the performance of teaching, administrative, or research duties, the plan established by the Authority pursuant to subsection A shall offer similar investment opportunities as are available to the participants of the plan established pursuant to § 51.1-126.
F. The Authority shall develop policies and procedures for the administration of any retirement plan established by the Authority pursuant to subsection A. A copy of such policies and procedures shall be filed with the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System.
The Authority shall purchase group life, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability insurance policies covering in whole or in part its employees. Authority employees are not required to present at their own expense evidence of insurability satisfactory to an insurance company for basic group life insurance coverage. Any employee hired prior to July 1, 1998, shall be provided basic group life insurance at the same level of coverage as provided by the Virginia Retirement System. Any employee hired on or after July 1, 1998, shall be provided basic group life insurance at a level of coverage determined by the board that is not less than the equivalent of the employee's annual salary. The Authority may require employees hired on or after July 1, 1998, to pay all or a portion of the required basic group life insurance coverage. Such payment may be collected through a payroll deduction program. The Authority may increase the insurance coverage under such policies to make available to active insured employees optional life, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability insurance. Authority employees are not covered by the Virginia Retirement System's group insurance program under § 51.1-501.
A. The Authority may issue bonds for any of its purposes, including (i) financing or refinancing all or any part of its programs or general operations; (ii) costs of any project, including the hospital facilities, whether or not owned by the Authority; or (iii) to refund bonds or other obligations issued by or on behalf of the Authority, the University, or otherwise, including bonds or obligations not then subject to redemption. The Authority may guarantee, assume, or otherwise agree to pay, in whole or in part, indebtedness issued by the University or any other party resulting in the acquisition or construction of facilities for the benefit of the Authority or the refinancing of such indebtedness.
B. Notwithstanding Article 1 (§ 2.2-1800 et seq.) of Chapter 18 of Title 2.2, bonds may be issued under the provisions of this chapter without (i) obtaining the consent of any commission, board, bureau, political subdivision, or agency of the Commonwealth or (ii) any proceedings, conditions, or things other than those proceedings, conditions, or things that are specifically required by this chapter; however, each debt offering shall be submitted to the State Treasurer sufficiently prior to the sale of such offering to allow the State Treasurer to undertake a review for the sole purposes of determining (a) whether the offering may constitute tax-supported debt of the Commonwealth and (b) the potential impact of the offering on the debt capacity of the Commonwealth. After such review, the State Treasurer shall determine if the offering constitutes tax-supported debt of the Commonwealth and the potential impact of the offering on the debt capacity of the Commonwealth. If the State Treasurer determines that the debt offering may constitute tax-supported debt of the Commonwealth or may have an adverse impact on the debt capacity of the Commonwealth, then the debt offering shall be submitted to the Treasury Board for review and approval of the terms and structure of the offering in a manner consistent with § 2.2-2416.
C. The Authority may issue bonds payable as to principal and interest from any of the following sources: (i) its revenues generally; (ii) income and revenues derived from the operation, sale, or lease of a particular project or projects, whether or not they are financed or refinanced from the proceeds of such bonds; (iii) funds realized from the enforcement of security interests or other liens or obligations securing such bonds; (iv) proceeds from the sale of bonds; (v) payments under letters of credit, policies of municipal bond insurance, guarantees, or other credit enhancements; (vi) any reserve or sinking funds created to secure such payment; (vii) accounts receivable of the Authority; or (viii) other available funds of the Authority.
D. Any bonds may be guaranteed by or secured by a pledge of any grant, contribution, or appropriation from a participating political subdivision, the University, the Commonwealth or any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the Commonwealth or from any federal agency or any unit, private corporation, partnership, association, or individual.
No member of the board; officer, employee, or agent of the Authority; or person executing bonds of the Authority is liable personally on the bonds by reason of issuing or executing such bonds. Bonds of the Authority are not a debt of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision of the Commonwealth other than the Authority and shall so state on their face. Neither the Commonwealth nor any political subdivision of the Commonwealth other than the Authority is liable for payment of bonds of the Authority, nor shall such bonds be payable out of any funds or properties of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision of the Commonwealth other than those of the Authority, except as permitted by § 23.1-2418. Bonds of the Authority are issued for an essential public and governmental purpose.
A. Bonds of the Authority shall (i) be authorized by resolution setting forth the maximum principal amount issuable, (ii) be dated, and (iii) mature not more than 40 years from their date and may be (a) issued in one or more series and (b) made redeemable or subject to tender before maturity, at the option of the Authority, at such price or under such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the Authority or its agents prior to issuance.
B. Bonds of the Authority shall bear interest payable at such times and rates and in such manner as the Authority or its agents may determine, including rates approved by officers of the Authority under authorization of the board, rates tied to indices, rates of other securities, or other standards and determinations by agents designated by the Authority under guidelines established by the Authority.
C. The Authority shall determine the form, manner of execution, and denominations of its bonds and the place of payment of principal and interest, which may be at any bank or trust company or securities depository within or outside the Commonwealth. The bonds may be issued in coupon or registered form, or both, and provision may be made for their registration in whole or in part. Bonds issued in registered form may be issued under a system of book-entry for recording the ownership and transfer of ownership of rights to receive payments on the bonds.
D. If any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds or coupons ceases to hold such office before delivery of such bond, such signature or facsimile is nevertheless valid and sufficient for all purposes.
E. The Authority may contract for the services of one or more banks, trust companies, financial institutions, or other entities or persons within or outside the Commonwealth for the authentication, registration, transfer, exchange, and payment of bonds or provide such services itself. The Authority may sell such bonds at public or private sale and for such price as it determines.
F. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or any recitals in any bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, all such bonds are negotiable instruments under the laws of the Commonwealth.
G. Prior to the preparation of definitive bonds, the Authority may issue interim receipts or temporary bonds that are exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds are executed and available for delivery.
H. The Authority may provide for the replacement of any mutilated, destroyed, stolen, or lost bonds.
A. Any bond issued under this chapter may be issued pursuant to or secured by (i) a trust indenture, deed of trust, or mortgage of any project or other property of the Authority, whether or not financed in whole or in part from the proceeds of such bonds; (ii) a trust or other agreement with a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or outside the Commonwealth or another agent for bondholders; or (iii) any combination of issuance or security set forth in clause (i) or (ii). Any such trust indenture or other agreement, or the resolution providing for the issuance of bonds, may pledge or assign fees, rents, and other charges to be received and contain reasonable, proper, and lawful provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders, including covenants (a) providing for the collection and application of revenues and the repossession and sale of any project or other property by the Authority or any trustees under any trust indenture or agreement upon default; (b) setting forth duties of the Authority in relation to the acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, and insurance of any project or other property of the Authority and the amount of fees, rents, and other charges to be charged; (c) providing for the collection of such fees, rents, and other charges and the custody, safeguarding, and application of all moneys of the Authority; (d) providing for the creation of sinking funds and the creation and maintenance of reserves; and (e) setting forth conditions or limitations with respect to incurring indebtedness or granting mortgages or other liens. Such trust indenture, trust, or other agreement or resolution may set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders, trustee, or other agent for bondholders and restrict the individual right of action by bondholders.
B. The Authority may grant mortgages, deeds of trust, security interests, and other liens on its real and personal property, including its accounts receivable, to secure bonds. All pledges of revenues of the Authority for payment of bonds are valid and binding from the time the pledge is made. The revenues pledged and received by the Authority are subject immediately to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery of such pledge or further act. The lien of any such pledge is valid and binding against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the Authority whether or not such parties have notice of the lien. The Authority may provide for the recording or filing of any mortgage, deed of trust, security interest, other lien, financing statement, or other instrument necessary or desirable to create, perfect, or evidence any lien created pursuant to this chapter.
C. It is lawful for any bank or trust company within or outside the Commonwealth to (i) serve as depository of the proceeds of bonds or other revenues of the Authority, (ii) furnish indemnifying bonds, or (iii) pledge such securities as may be required by the Authority.
D. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of such trust indenture, agreement, resolution, or other agreements relating to any project, including those to which the Authority may not be a party, may be treated as a part of the costs of a project.
Except to the extent that the rights granted by this chapter may be restricted by such trust indenture or trust or other agreement, any (i) holder of bonds or coupons issued under the provisions of this chapter and (ii) trustee or other agent for bondholders under any trust indenture or trust or other agreement may, either at law or in equity, by suit, action, injunction, mandamus, or other proceedings, (a) protect and enforce any and all rights granted by this chapter or under the laws of the Commonwealth, such trust indenture, trust, or other agreement, or the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds and (b) enforce and compel the Authority or any agent or officer of the Authority to perform all duties required by this chapter or such trust indenture, trust, or other agreement or resolution, including the fixing, charging, and collecting of fees, rents, and other charges.
Bonds issued by the Authority under the provisions of this chapter are securities (i) in which all public officers and public bodies of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions, insurance companies, trust companies, banking associations, investment companies, executors, administrators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may properly and legally invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them and (ii) that may properly and legally be deposited with and received by any state officer or officer of a locality or agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations is authorized by law.
The Authority may assume or agree to make payments in amounts sufficient for the University to pay some or all of the hospital obligations incurred under resolutions previously adopted by the University with respect to the hospital facilities and may issue bonds to refund bonds issued under such resolutions or refinance such payment obligations. If the Authority assumes all hospital obligations under any such bond resolution and operates substantially all of the hospital facilities financed or refinanced by such bond resolution, the University, State Treasurer, Virginia Public Building Authority, and Virginia College Building Authority shall take such steps as are appropriate to provide for the substitution of the Authority for the University under such resolution and transfer to the Authority any funds payable to the University under the terms of such resolution.
A. The Authority is subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.), including the exclusions set forth in subdivision 14 of § 2.2-3705.7 and subdivision A 23 of § 2.2-3711.
B. For purposes of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.), meetings of the board are not considered meetings of the board of visitors of the University. Meetings of the board may be conducted through electronic communication means as provided in § 2.2-3708.3.
1996, cc. 905, 1046, § 23-50.16:32; 1998, c. 449; 1999, cc. 703, 726; 2004, c. 690; 2007, c. 945; 2016, c. 588; 2017, c. 778; 2018, c. 55; 2022, c. 597.
This chapter shall constitute full and complete authority, without regard to the provisions of any other law, for the performance of acts authorized in the chapter and shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes of the chapter. Insofar as the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of any other general, specific, or local law, the provisions of this chapter control.
The provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.), the Workforce Transition Act (§ 2.2-3200 et seq.), the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.), and the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) do not apply to the Authority in its exercise of any power conferred to it under this chapter.
Upon dissolution of the Authority, all assets of the Authority, after satisfaction of creditors, shall revert to the University.