HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY FUND.

(a) Each board may establish a separate self-insurance fund to pay any damages adjudged in a court of competent jurisdiction or a settlement of any health care liability claim against a health care professional staff member or student arising from the exercise of the member's or student's appointment, duties, or training with The University of Texas System, The Texas A&M University System, the Texas Tech University System, the Texas State University System, the University of Houston System, Stephen F. Austin State University, or the University of North Texas System.

(b) The boards may pay from the funds all expenses incurred in the investigation, settlement, defense, or payment of claims described above on behalf of the health care professional staff members or students.

(c) On the establishment of each fund, transfers to the fund shall be made in an amount and at such intervals as determined by the board. Each board may receive and accept any gifts or donations specified for the purposes of this subchapter and deposit those gifts or donations into the fund. Each board may invest money deposited in the fund, and any income received shall be retained in the fund. The money shall be deposited in any of the approved depository banks of The University of Texas System, The Texas A&M University System, the Texas Tech University System, the Texas State University System, the University of Houston System, Stephen F. Austin State University, or the University of North Texas System. All expenditures from the funds shall be paid pursuant to approval by the boards.