As used in this chapter, "independent hospital" means a private nonprofit acute care hospital licensed under IC 16-21-2 that meets the following criteria:

1. (1) Is either:

   1. (A) not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by an entity that is headquartered outside of the county where the hospital is located; or
   2. (B) owned or controlled by an entity that owns or operates hospitals on not more than three (3) acute care hospital licenses in Indiana. For purposes of this clause, a critical access hospital that meets the criteria under 42 CFR 485.601 et seq. does not count toward the number of acute care hospital licensed operated by an entity.
2. (2) Except as provided in subdivision (1)(B), does not directly or indirectly own another acute care hospital.

As added by P.L.203-2023, SEC.21.