Inner-city hospital closures/relocations: race, income status, and legal issues.
Hospital closures/relocations are occurring with increasing frequency in the United States and these actions are alleged to have adverse consequences for racial-minorities and low-income individuals. This paper through an examination and review of the literature discusses the reasons why hospitals close/relocate, examines the legal issues and questions that have arisen over decisions leading to hospital closures/relocations and discusses the implications of hospital closures/relocations on the health care of inner-city minorities and low-income individuals. The conclusion suggests that for inner-city indigents hospital closure/relocations means only one thing--a decline in hospital care. If the present trend in hospital closures/relocations continues, a few for-profit hospital chains may have the responsibility for determining community health needs based on what services are most profitable and who will be the recipient of these services.
D004469:Economics, Hospital; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006271:Health Facility Closure; D006274:Health Facility Moving / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006777:Hospitals, Proprietary / Q000191:economics; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000191:economics; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000191:economics; D006786:Hospitals, Urban / Q000191:economics; D007182:Income; D008913:Minority Groups; D014481:United States