Except as otherwise provided in this section, for a local health care district that is a small and rural hospital, as defined in Section 124840, the board of directors shall acquire materials and supplies that cost more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), but less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), through competitive means, except when the board determines either that (1) the materials and supplies proposed for acquisition are the only materials and supplies that can meet the district's need, or (2) the materials and supplies are needed in cases of emergency where immediate acquisition is necessary for the protection of the public health, welfare, or safety. As used in this paragraph, "competitive means" has the same meaning as used in subdivision (b) of Section 32138.
Ca. Health and Saf. Code § 32132