Hamilton Co. Commission approves Erlanger independence accords

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Commission has approved steps for the Erlanger Health System to go private.

Erlanger’s Board of Trustees say in a release “The covenants and protections were developed through a thoughtful and collaborative process with the County Commission and Legislative Delegation. The Board is deeply appreciative of the good spirit and leadership of the area’s elected leaders throughout this process, and looks forward to close, ongoing engagement as the process continues.”

Right now, the hospital system is overseen by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority which controls their licenses and property.

But Erlanger is wanting to transition to a private, non-profit to better compete with the other private hospital companies in our region.

The Erlanger board calls the Commission approval an important milestone for their independence.

The Commission and Erlanger have agreed to:

·         A commitment to maintaining the historic mission of Erlanger as a teaching hospital, regional referral center, and safety-net provider for Hamilton County and maintaining the identity of Erlanger.

·         Continuing our historic safety-net mission of Erlanger as an acute care hospital with robust services in this community, including the Trauma Center, the Children’s Hospital, the Federally Qualified Health Center programs, Erlanger’s medical education mission, and the many other services we provide today.

·         Continued participation in Medicare Fee for Service programs and Medicaid.

·         Charity care remaining consistent with Erlanger’s historical policies.

As part of the deal, Erlanger has agreed to not change staff pay, pensions or rules.

They also say that patients should not see any differences.

From here, Erlanger Health System will take several months to finalize the new, independent structure.