Joann Coleman, the Little Rock resident who’s been digging into what she sees as problems in the UAMS idea to combine with St. Vincent Infirmary, at least in some areas, as a health care network, was on hand for yesterday’s University of Arkansas Board of Trustees meeting at which the subject came up.

The legislature has approved a private consulting deal to investigate the idea and that was discussed yesterday. Coleman reports that UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn confirmed that non-disclosure agreements had been signed to prevent either party from using/misusing competitive information assembled for the study.

Advertisement

She also reports that trustee John Goodson, the politically ambidextrous trial lawyer appointed by Gov. Mike Beebe to a seat on the UA Board, said he had been in on the discussions at UAMS about hiring a Washington mergers-and-acquisitions lawyer to advise on the matter, though he had not informed the UA Board about it. Coleman quotes Goodson as saying a public forum will be held on the report produced by the consultant. She says several Board members assured her any resulting combination would not mean a loss of control for UAMS.

Tell that to the bishops.

Advertisement

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Catholic bishop requires reading of anti-Obama letter Next article Jobs report positive as election day nears