Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5323

An authority shall have power to investigate hospital, medical and health conditions and the means and methods of improving such conditions; to determine where inadequate hospital and medical facilities exist; to study and make recommendations concerning the plan of any city in relation to the problem of providing adequate hospital, medical and nursing facilities; and to provide adequate hospital, medical and nursing facilities for the inhabitants of such city and surrounding area, including persons of low income in such city and area.