Henry County supervisors approve letter of intent from HCHC

MT. PLEASANT - A letter of intent that would transfer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from the Henry County Health Center (HCHC) to Henry County has been approved by supervisors.

At Tuesday's meeting a question was raised about a clause discussing public communications. The clause would require both parties to receive written consent before the release of public information that would potentially put HCHC at a competitive disadvantage in the future.

HCHC Chief Executive Officer Robb Gardner cited the competing hospitals in the area as the reason for the clause. Concern was raised that if supervisors asked information about different services HCHC provided, such as the nursing home, other hospitals could learn that information and would put HCHC at a disadvantage.

Henry County attorney Darin Stater said Tuesday he found the clause 'unnecessary” and said he would speak with the hospital's attorney to discuss the portion of the letter.

At the meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6, Stater said the paragraph was addressed and has been removed from the letter.

'No red flags popped up for me legally,” he said regarding the rest of the letter.

Supervisors approved the letter of intent unanimously. Gardner said the HCHC board of trustees would meet on Feb. 18 to discuss possible action moving forward and would then reach out to the supervisors to discuss setting up work sessions.