Healthcare districts are a form of local government, governed by a board of directors. Like other special districts, healthcare districts are independent from county or city government and are directly accountable to the public.

Healthcare districts operating hospitals often provide health care in communities significantly impacted by health care provider shortages or where a significant portion of the population is covered by Medi-Cal and Medicare, the underinsured and uninsured. Each year, health care districts throughout California provide 1 million emergency room visits and 4 million in-patient visits.

For additional information on California healthcare districts, visit the Association of California Healthcare Districts.