Regarding House Bill 739 | Letter to the Community

First Published: March 18, 2024
Updated: April 1, 2024                                                                                                                                                 

RE: REGARDING HOUSE HILL 739 | LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY

Dear Parrish Healthcare Care Partners, Friends, and Neighbors,

Recently in Tallahassee, Parrish Care Partners’ ability to continue our public, not-for-profit mission was protected from being inadvertently damaged or destroyed.

House Bill 739, which was considered but did not pass, could have forced the sale of North Brevard County Hospital District’s Parrish Medical Center. Such a measure would have potentially compromised the hospital’s ability to care for you or your loved ones if there was a forced sale to a for-profit company.

We respect the legislative process and are pleased that it worked as intended. We believe the bill would have had profound negative consequences for both health care access and affordability in Brevard County. We will, of course, continue to operate transparently, and look forward to working collaboratively and in partnership with our legislators while remaining steadfast in our commitment to advancing affordable, high quality health care in the communities we serve. Additionally, we are sincerely grateful for the outpouring of support received from our fellow healthcare colleagues and the community at-large.

As an independent special district established under Florida law, Parrish is subject to, and compliant with, Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Laws (s. 286.011, F.S.) and Florida’s Public Records Laws (Ch. 119, F.S.). As an example of the transparency with which Parrish Medical Center operates, you can view a video recording of the most recent Parrish Medical Center semi-annual report provided to members of the Titusville City Council on our website (https://www.parrishhealthcare.com/about-us/governance-and[1]leadership/reports-to-city-council/). Additionally, we publish our meeting minutes, agendas, financials, and community health needs assessment, among other information, on our website: www.parrishhealthcare.com.

Formed in 1958 by the State of Florida, we are proud to operate Brevard’s only continuously independent, not-for-profit, public community hospital. Although designated as a special district, the Parrish Medical Center nine-member Board of Directors (who are locally appointed by the elected City Council and Brevard County Commission) has not levied any taxes for nearly 30 years.

We also operate as the lowest cost provider of healthcare in the region in continuing our commitment to provide access to affordable, high quality health care. And, while keeping your health care costs low, we also invest many millions of dollars to address community health needs and services to the poor and underserved that would otherwise not be available. In fiscal year 2022, we invested $42.9 million in charity and other uncompensated care; and in fiscal year 2023, we invested another $31.7 million.

Frankly, HB 739 was unnecessary as current Florida Statute Sec.155.40 already allows for such a decision to be made by the local Board of Directors if it finds that the sale or lease is “in the best interests of the affected community.” What is in the best interest of our community is of paramount concern and, with that in mind, current law makes the most sense.

As a public, community health system, we appreciate being held accountable to the people within the communities we serve. We value transparency and delivering high standards of patient care. It is why we continuously invite rigorous review of our clinical programs by many of the nation’s leading health care quality and regulatory accrediting bodies. To this end, on March 7, 2024, it was announced that - after passing a rigorous review of our operations, quality and service - the prestigious Cleveland Clinic accepted Parrish Medical Center as the first member of “Cleveland Clinic Connected” in the United States.

Every person deserves access to quality health care provided within safe, healing environments. Parrish Medical Center is proud to serve our community with transparency, honor and distinction.

Sincerely,

George Mikitarian, Jr.

President/CEO