The commissioners did not hint at any specific grievances hospital executives may have committed, according to the article.
The commission also asked District Attorney Herbert Franklin to consider bringing in agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, according to the article. By state law, the GBI cannot investigate potential crimes without a request from another government official.
Catoosa and Walker County, both in Georgia, guaranteed a loan by Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Erlanger Health System to financially troubled Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.-based Hutcheson Medical Center for $20 million in 2011.
Erlanger officials filed a lawsuit against all three parties to recoup its loan. In its lawsuit, Erlanger claimed Catoosa County officials were cooperating, but Walker County officials were not. The Catoosa County agreed pay $6.2 million to settle the case in June.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
Study says fewer US hospitals breaking ER rules
Man faces charges after holding gun to infant in Texas hospital ER
Florida home healthcare owner gets 20 years for $57M fraud scheme
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.