A. There is hereby created as a public body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority, referred to in this chapter as the Authority, with such public and corporate powers as are set forth in this chapter. The Authority is hereby constituted a public instrumentality, exercising public and essential governmental functions with the power and purpose to provide for the health, welfare, convenience, knowledge, benefit and prosperity of the residents of the Commonwealth and such other persons who might be served by the Authority by delivering and supporting the delivery of medical care and related services to such residents and persons, by providing educational opportunities in the medical field and related disciplines, by conducting and facilitating research in the medical field and related disciplines, and by enhancing the delivery of health care and related services to the Commonwealth’s indigent population.

B. The Authority is authorized to provide, promote, support and sponsor education, public knowledge and scientific research in medicine, public health and related fields; to administer programs to assist in the delivery of medical and related services to the citizens of the Commonwealth and others; and to participate in and administer federal, state and local programs affecting, supporting or carrying out any of its purposes. The Authority is further authorized to exercise independently the powers conferred by this chapter in furtherance of its corporate and public purposes, and the Authority is directed to undertake the operation of teaching hospitals and related facilities and to maintain and, as appropriate, to expand the same, all for the benefit of the Commonwealth, its citizens and such other persons who might be served by the Authority.

History

1996, cc. 905, 1046; 2000, c. 720.