University of Mississippi Medical Center 'collaborative' bill passes Senate

The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill to allow the University of Mississippi Medical Center to enter into joint ventures with private or public hospitals and clinics and to operate more like a business than a public institution.

But House Bill 926 was greatly amended from its original form to appease concerns of other hospitals and associations. Sen. Josh Harkins, R-Flowood, said measure that would have exempted the UMMC joint ventures from state public records laws, state and federal anti-trust regulations, certificate of need rules and sales and ad valorem taxes were all stripped from the original version. Also stripped was language that would allow UMMC joint ventures to borrow money backed by the full faith and credit of the state.

"Those who had concerns and questions said if this version comes out they will not oppose it -- they are comfortable with the language," Harkins said.

Supporters have said the measure would improve health care and access to health care, and help the state's ailing rural community hospitals — as similar initiatives have done in other states including Alabama. But opponents and those skeptical of the move worry it would give such joint ventures an unfair advantage over existing hospitals, and clinics and could monopolize health care in Mississippi.

Read more: http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/08/ummc-collaborative-senate/98901086/