Doctors Hospital appeals OK of new hospital in Columbia County, Georgia

Augusta, Ga.-based Doctors Hospital is appealing a decision from state regulators to allow Augusta (Ga.) University Health to build a hospital in neighboring Columbia County, according to The Augusta Chronicle.

Doctors is appealing the decision by the Georgia Department of Community Health, arguing that the number of beds in Richmond County should disqualify Columbia County from building a hospital. However, there is an exception for counties where there is no hospital, with the county paying 20 percent of the cost. Columbia County will pay $30 million of the $150 million to build the proposed 100-bed hospital.

AU Health was first issued the license four years ago, and Doctors has appealed that decision several times. Lee Ann Liska, CEO of Augusta University Medical Center, said her organization is prepared to defend its license yet again.

"We believe we will win that argument again, as we have in every single court and every single hearing," said Ms. Liska.

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars