Dr. Deanna DuncanThe fight over whether the Chattanooga area needs another hospice will continue, with Hospice of Chattanooga filing an appeal to challenge a local doctor’s plans to open a new hospice.
In June, the state Health Services and Development Agency board voted 7-3 in favor of allowing Dr. Deanna Duncan to open Hearth LLC.
Hospice of Chattanooga and several other local hospices opposed the certificate of need, saying state guidelines do not show that the Chattanooga area needs another hospice.
In July, Hospice of Chattanooga filed an appeal, asking for an administrative law judge to hear the case.
The process to contest a case can take months and cost tens of thousands of dollars, with the losing party paying those costs, said Jim Christoffersen, general counsel for the Health Services and Development Agency.