SRHS: Transparency Half-Way To Becoming Reality for Community Hospitals

JACKSON, MS- Senator Wiggins’ hospital reform bill, which adds accountability to public hospitals such as SRHS, passed unanimously in the Mississippi Senate Thursday.

The bill, which now goes to the House of Representatives, unequivocally reaffirms community hospitals as public entities and seeks to remove the exemptions that have allowed them to not disclose business, financial and non-strategic operation information to the public. As Senator Wiggins said during today’s presentation of the bill on the Senate floor, “What has happened at Singing River Hospital System has brought home the disastrous effects of non-transparency.” 

Commenting on passage of the legislation, Senator Wiggins said, “I appreciate the support from both Lt. Governor Reeves and my colleagues in the Senate. Today’s unanimous vote was a vote for transparency in all facets of government. 

“What has happened at SRHS is unacceptable and we owe it to the taxpayers of Mississippi to ensure this does not happen to others in the state. Financially strong and accountable public hospitals are something we must guarantee to the citizens of Mississippi. I will continue to work day and night to ensure this bill reaches Governor Bryant for his signature,” Wiggins concluded.