An amendment to the 1946 Tennessee private act that created Blount Memorial Hospital stepped closer to final passage in the state General Assembly on Tuesday, April 4.
The amendment would allow the county to form written agreements with managers of the hospital, a role that the nonprofit Blount Memorial Hospital Inc. has filled for 75 years. The contracts would outline the terms of the management relationship and state that county commissioners can end any such future tie.
After Maderal Community Hospital closed earlier this year, other hospitals have signaled they are struggling financially. Legislators are considering several solutions to funnel more money to hospitals to prevent them from cutting services or closing.
North Country health care workers gathered at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital on Wednesday to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to increase Medicaid reimbursements to hospitals.
The state currently reimburses hospitals 75% of the cost to treat Medicaid patients.
The top revenue-generating psychiatric hospitals have seen revenue increase over the last three years, reflecting a growing need and opportunity for intensive behavioral health services.
Positive distractions in hospitals, including playrooms, indoor gardens, and art installations, can help improve the patient experience and promote healing by helping to alleviate worrisome thoughts and focus.