Louisiana committee OKs bill giving board hospital control

Louisiana State University would cede control over its New Orleans hospital operations to a new, independent board under a bill that sailed out of a House committee. The House Health and Welfare Committee approved House Bill 830 without objection, despite opposition by LSU System President John Lombardi. Lombardi contends the change could mean a step back for the university's efforts to develop a first-class teaching hospital to take the place of Charity Hospital.