MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Fees, Salaries and Administration; Public Health and Welfare

By: Senator(s) Thames, Harvey

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 31-7-38, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE ANY HOSPITAL OR REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CENTER OWNED BY THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI TO PARTICIPATE IN GROUP PURCHASE PROGRAMS WITH OTHER HOSPITALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES, COMMODITIES AND EQUIPMENT; TO EXEMPT SUCH PARTICIPATION IN GROUP PURCHASE PROGRAMS FROM CERTAIN PURCHASING LAWS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 31-7-38, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

31-7-38. The * * * board of trustees or governing board of any hospital or regional mental health center owned, or owned and operated, separately or jointly by the State of Mississippi (or any of its subdivisions, departments, agencies or branches) by one or more counties, cities, towns, supervisors districts or election districts, or combinations thereof, may authorize by resolution the organization and operation of, or the participation in, a group purchase program with other hospitals, for the purchase of supplies, commodities and equipment when it appears to the board of trustees or governing board that such a group purchase program could or would affect economy or efficiency in their operations. Purchases by hospitals or regional mental health centers participating in group purchasing programs of supplies, commodities and equipment through such programs shall be exempt from the provisions of Sections 31-7-9, 31-7-10, 31-7-11, 31-7-12 and 31-7-13. This section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2005.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.