MS SB2694

Exempts consolidations and mergers of hospitals in rural counties that improve access to hospital services from state and federal antitrust laws when acting pursuant to clearly expressed state policy.

Allows rural hospitals to obtain certificates of public advantage for cooperative agreements, consolidations, and mergers through the Mississippi Department of Health, with department approval based on standards including quality enhancement, preservation of rural healthcare, and cost-efficiency.

Exempts hospitals receiving certificates of public advantage from certain community hospital statutory requirements in Section 41-13-15, allowing greater operational flexibility for merged or consolidated entities.

Permits any hospital located in a rural county, including critical access hospitals, to execute cooperative agreements with other hospitals or health systems upon board of trustees approval without going through the full certificate process.

Effective date: July 1, 2012.