Senate panel backs closing hospital records

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Some public hospitals could close their business records to the public if they gave up their right to some tax money, under legislation endorsed by a Senate committee Monday.

The proposal would allow a hospital to close its business records if the amount of money it receives from the local government is less than 5 percent of its gross revenue.

A similar measure failed last year when it was attached to a larger, ultimately unsuccessful bill raising the fines for violations of Missouri's open meetings and records laws.

On Monday, the Senate Financial and Governmental Organization, Veterans Affairs and Elections Committee voted 6-1 to send this year's version to the full Senate.

Supporters say public hospitals are at a competitive disadvantage to private institutions who don't have to make their operating plans publicly known.

Opponents say if tax money is used to run the hospital, taxpayers should know how their money is being spent.

Hospital records bill is SB779 (Yeckel).