As a government entity, Erlanger Health System’s annual budgeting process has long been open to the public — but that level of transparency is set to largely go away once the new private entity, Erlanger Health, launches July 1.
Health system and county leaders in 2022 announced plans to convert the Chattanooga region’s largest and only safety net hospital to an independent nonprofit model. Their rationale was that in order to remain viable and continue providing essential services, Erlanger needs to be on a more even playing field with its private competitors.
Part of the disadvantage with the current model, officials said, is having to conduct business in the open.
Although some aspects of Erlanger will remain subject to open meetings as the old model winds down, this coming fiscal year’s budget — which was approved Thursday — is likely the last window into anticipated annual patient volumes, spending and revenue.