A resolution urging the state to repeal laws eliminating healthcare monopolies failed by a vote of 5 in favor, 15 against and 1 abstaining during the Monday night meeting of the Greene County Commission.
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VOTING TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION
Arrowood (sponsor) , White, Murray, Cobble, Parton
VOTING TO DENY THE RESOLUTION
Crawford, Gunter, Peters, Kiker, Quillen, Smithson, Carpenter, Bowers, Shelton, Waddle, Clemmer, Bible, Anderson, Lawing, Burkey
ABSTAINED FROM VOTING
Dabbs
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IF IT HAD PASSED
Had it passed, the resolution would have urged the state to repeal COPA and Certificate of Need laws, which resolution sponsor Joshua Arrowood says “could eliminate healthcare monopolies and restore competition, improve access, affordability, and quality of care.”
Although not named directly in the resolution, it was understood Ballad Health, which operates the majority of hospitals in the region and the only one in Greeneville, was the reason behind the proposal.
POST VOTE RESPONSE FROM BALLAD HEALTH
Before the formation of Ballad Health, the hospitals in Greene County were financially unsustainable and at risk of closure. Since consolidating the facilities, Ballad Health has invested millions of dollars into Greeneville Community Hospital—expanding the Emergency Department, introducing robotic surgery and advanced cancer care, and upgrading numerous patient care areas. The Strong Futures program, which launched in the former Takoma Regional Hospital, has transformed countless lives and earned support from the Greene County Commission. Greeneville Community Hospital now ranks among the highest-rated in Tennessee. Without Ballad Health’s support, Greeneville could have joined the growing list of rural communities losing hospital access, which is why we remain committed to keeping care local and accessible.
