Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9259)
The short title of Republic Act No. 9259 is "The La Union Medical Center Charter."
The Act creates a corporate body known as the La Union Medical Center (LUMC) for the benefit primarily of the people of the Province of La Union.
The Board of Trustees is composed of fifteen (15) members.
The ex officio members are: the Governor of La Union, Vice Governor of La Union, Chairmen of the Committees on Budget and Appropriations, Ways and Means, Health and Sanitation, Trade and Industry of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union, the Provincial Health Officer, the Municipal Mayor of Agoo, the Regional Director of the Department of Health Region I, the President of the Liga ng mga Barangay of La Union, and the Chief of Hospital of the LUMC.
The representatives from the private sector and from social, civic or religious sector organizations serve for a term of three (3) years.
Members of the Board of Trustees, except the Chief of Hospital, serve without compensation and allowances but are entitled to per diem for every board meeting actually attended.
The Governor of La Union serves as the Chairman and the Vice Governor serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
The Chief of Hospital is the CEO of the LUMC, appointed by the Provincial Governor with the concurrence of the Board of Trustees, serving a term of four (4) years unless removed, resigns, dies or is incapacitated.
At least twenty percent (20%) of the total number of hospital beds shall be allocated for indigent patients.
Existing civil service laws, rules and regulations, Republic Act No. 6656, and other applicable laws apply to all officers and employees except members of the Board of Trustees and the Chief of Hospital.
Purposes include establishing and operating a general hospital in La Union, delivering quality and affordable medical and surgical care, developing family medicine and multi-specialty centers, facilitating training of health care providers, promoting health research, and extending medical services especially to the poor.
The LUMC can acquire and dispose of property, enter into contracts, solicit donations, open bank accounts, invite specialists for training, send personnel for training, enter agreements with institutions, adopt by-laws, and perform all acts necessary to accomplish its objectives.
The provincial government of La Union provides the funds necessary for start-up operations and maintenance of the LUMC.
The remaining property at the time of dissolution shall revert to the Provincial Government of La Union for disposition in accordance with law.
The Board shall ensure that the LUMC institutes a program for indigent patients, with at least 20% of hospital beds allocated to them.
The books of accounts are subject to periodic audit by the Provincial Auditor of La Union.
Yes, the LUMC may call upon any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the national government, including government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units, for technical assistance.
The Act took effect immediately upon its approval on March 2, 2004.
No, except for per diem for meetings attended, Board members do not receive allowances or compensation.