1. A general hospital licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C. 26:2H-1 et al.) shall, at least annually, conduct a public meeting to discuss issues relating to the operation of the hospital and concerns of the community with respect to the delivery of services at the hospital.

The hospital shall ensure that:

a. at a minimum, the chief executive officer of the hospital, the chairman of the hospital board of trustees, and at least 25% of the members of the hospital board of trustees are present at the meeting and available to respond to questions from members of the public;

b. the meeting is open to members of the public and organized so as to provide the community served by the hospital with information about the operation of the hospital, and to provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and raise issues of concern to them; and

c. public notice of the meeting is provided:

(1) at least 14 days prior to the date of the meeting by posting written notice in the hospital in a conspicuous location that is available to the public, and by publishing the notice in a daily or weekly newspaper of general circulation in the service area of the hospital; and

(2) at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting by posting notice on the hospital’s Internet website.

d. notice of the meeting is provided to the Department of Health and Senior Services at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting.

L.2008, c.59, s.1.