Topeka — Legislators on Tuesday ordered sweeping audits of the feuding Kansas University Medical Center and KU Hospital in a round of finger-pointing and political sniping.
"Members of this committee, including the chair, should subside from playing politics," said state Sen. Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, during a meeting of the Legislative Post Audit Committee.
But the chairwoman, Rep. Peggy Mast, R-Emporia, denied she was being partisan. "I didn't try to expose or ruin the integrity of this committee in any way," Mast said.
At the end of the day, both KUMC and KU Hospital were under the Legislature's microscope. Spokesmen for both institutions said they had nothing to hide, welcomed the opportunity to discuss the issues with lawmakers and denied allegations made in the audit requests.
The committee ordered an audit stemming from KUMC's proposed affiliation with Kansas City, Mo.-based St. Luke's Hospital. The scope of the audits offered by lawmakers reflect the suspicion felt on both sides in the battle.
KUMC says the affiliation is needed to improve research and help KU win designation as a national cancer center. KU Hospital, which competes with St. Luke's, says the affiliation will hurt KU Hospital's bottom line, while some lawmakers are concerned the proposal will reduce physician training in Kansas.
The standoff has been boiling in the Legislature all year. On Monday, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed budget language that would have given KU Hospital authority over whether the affiliation could be established. House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, criticized the veto.
On Tuesday, fighting over the issue continued before the Post Audit Committee in preparation for the full Legislature's return today for the wrap-up legislative session.
KU Medical Center affiliation
- Sebeliusvetoes KUMC proviso (04-24-07)
- Budgethas hospital proviso (04-21-07)
- KUMCaffiliation negotiation deadline extended until May (03-31-07)
- Sebelius:No legislative interference (03-31-07)
- Inpatientcare at KU outranks clinic care (03-17-07)
- Houselifts funding threat from KUMC (03-16-07)
- Hospital,KUMC near deal (03-14-07)
- SpeakerNeufeld's letter to the Board of Regents (.doc)
- Proposedamendment to HB 2524, dealing with Kansas hospital affiliations(.pdf)
- Letter from KU Medofficials to committee members (.pdf)
Comments
clyde_never_barks 10 years, 3 months ago
This will not uncover anything that has not already been discussed. What a waste of state resources - and time.
not_dolph 10 years, 3 months ago
Bet this makes the saturday column.
fletch 10 years, 3 months ago
Who needs to solve problems when you can just extend the finger pointing period for a few months.
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