10/11/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Responding to a question from Mr. Holmer, Mr. Wong said that medical clinics are included depending on the public service provided in the clinic and whether the clinic qualifies as a non-profit corporation under Federal law. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that the bill, with unanimous consent of the council, be read the second time by council bill number only and that enactment be considered at this time. The motion passed unanimously, 6:0. Mr. Holmer moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Ms. Ehrman expressed disappointment in the medical community for not providing public information with respect to its position on this issue. She added that an issue involving public health care deserves particular attention if it provides the opportunity to affect health care costs. After careful consideration, Ms. Ehrman said she is not convinced that the end cost saving to the patient outweighs the controversy surrounding this issue. She noted that there is still confusion about the City's role in the issue and given this, she could not support the formation of a Eugene Hospital Authority. Mr. Boles echoed Ms. Ehrman1s concerns and added that the council should look into relationships with Sacred Heart and other medical facilities in this community, particularly with respect to indigent care and the overall planning process for expansion of medical facilities. Mr. Boles said that if e this ordinance passed, there would be an opportunity for unending litigation; thus he opposed the formation of a Eugene Hospital Authority. Mr. Holmer acknowledged the difficulty and complexity of dealing with this issue but felt the formation of a hospital authority would provide an opportunity to receive input and be an influence in the medical community. Supporting Mr. Holmer's position, Mr. Bennett said it is in the public interest to assist the community in providing acute in-patient health care. He added that Sacred Heart is a community asset and encouraged the council to support the ordinance for its potential value to community health care. Ms. Schue said she agreed with Ms. Ehrman that the council has a responsibility to the general public to improve overall health care in this community. She felt, however, that because Sacred Heart is a private, non-profit organization, it might not share common concerns and practices that the City feels are appropriate in dealing with the public. She added that she was frustrated by the lack of information provided to her, especially regarding Sacred Heart1s status. She added that she might be willing to consider the issue at another time but felt it would be dangerous for the City to enter into this type of proposed relationship without more careful examination. For these reasons, she could not support this ordinance. Supporting Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Green said that he was not convinced that the proposed establishment of a Eugene Hospital Authority would save the e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 1989 Page 7