Owner of Bayfront Health St. Petersburg faces federal inquiry over funds for low-income patients
The corporate owner of Bayfront Health St. Petersburg could be facing a serious federal investigation related to its commitment to take care of St. Petersburg's poorest residents.
In its most recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Nashville-based Community Health Systems mentions that it received a "civil investigative demand" on Sept. 14 from the Department of Justice. The agency is requesting documents and information related to Bayfront Health's involvement in Florida's Low Income Pool program, which is used to reimburse hospitals for the cost of providing care to uninsured residents and is sometimes referred to as "charity care."
The CID, which is a subpoena, "seeks documentation related to donations made by the hospital to local public benefit entities," according to the SEC filing.
Community Health Systems is one of the nation's largest owners and operators of hospitals, with 137 of them in 21 states. It purchased Bayfront Health in 2014, and owns six other hospitals along the Gulf Coast, from Brooksville to Venice. Officials from the company and Bayfront Health declined to comment.
Read more: http://www.tbo.com/news/health/owner-of-bayfront-health-st-petersburg-faces-federal-inquiry-over-funds/2344171
