Bill would clear way for first Bullitt County, KY, hospital

A bill that has cleared a Kentucky legislative committee could pave the way for Bullitt County residents to get the hospital they have been wanting for years. The measure applies only to counties that have at least 60,000 residents and don't have hospitals. In such a county, an outpatient center that provides surgery, diagnostic imaging and 24-hour emergency care could add up to 60 inpatient beds. If passed, the measure would allow Jewish Hospital's outpatient center in Hillview to add up to 60 inpatient beds without having to gain regulatory approval from the state.