MauryTHINKS

I found Spring Hill Alderman Jonathan Duda’s (May 21) letter to the editor disturbing. It is disheartening to have Maury Regional Hospital criticized for exercising its rights as set forth under the laws of Tennessee.

To do so is a criticism of our legislative process of checks and balances put into place to serve the best interests of all citizens of our state.

This is the same process that HCA utilized to appeal the October 2007 decision by an administrative law judge to deny HCA’s certificate of need following 10 days of expert testimony and cross-examination of witnesses. Their request was granted because this process exists, just as the state affords MRH and Williamson Medical Center the right to seek judicial review in Davidson County Chancery Court.

In addition, Alderman Duda appears to be misinformed in regards to his statement on any financial responsibility that MRH might bear. The hospital’s potential costs in this matter are limited to half of the costs associated with the administrative appeal, such as court reporter fees and the administrative judge’s fees. MRH bears no responsibility for HCA’s legal fees. Should MRH and WMC be successful in Davidson County Chancery Court, the burden of these costs would shift back to HCA. However, any expenses that MRH may potentially incur would pale in comparison to the adverse impact on MRH that would result from construction of a second hospital in Maury County.

The leadership of MRH has made decisions based on the best interests of all citizens in our region. This included proposing mediation back in the summer of 2006 in an effort to resolve this matter prior to utilizing the court system. HCA refused to participate, and so our path has become what it is today. Personally, I would like to thank our board of trustees for recognizing that another hospital in Maury County would result in duplication of services and increased cost of health care for citizens.

Rita Williams,

Director of Marketing,

Maury Regional Hospital