Contracts not subject to competitive bidding.

Notwithstanding any conflicting provision of sections 749.09 to 749.14 and 749.26 to 749.31 of the Revised Code, Chapter 153. of the Revised Code, or any other competitive bidding requirement specified in the Revised Code that requires a public authority to enter into separate contracts for the design and construction of a public improvement. (A) A board of hospital commissioners or a board of hospital trustees may enter into a single contract under which the entity awarded the contract is responsible for providing both design and construction services related to the erection of a hospital, any addition to the hospital, or any other improvement to the hospital or its properties involving alteration, repair, replacement, renovation, installation, or demolition. (B) During the period of the emergency declared by Executive Order 2020-01D, issued on March 9, 2020, a board of hospital commissioners or a board of hospital trustees may purchase personal protective equipment necessary to respond to the emergency without following competitive bidding procedures. As used in this section, "personal protective equipment" means equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause workplace injuries and illnesses. This section does not otherwise alter the competitive bidding requirements that apply to the board when entering into a contract for a public improvement.