Religious Hospitals’ Restrictions Sparking Conflicts, Scrutiny, The Washington Post Reports
The Washington Post: Religious Hospitals' Restrictions Sparking Conflicts, ScrutinySuch disputes between hospitals and church authorities appear to be arising because of a confluence of factors: Economic pressures are spurring greater consolidation in the hospital industry, prompting religiously affiliated institutions to take over or merge with secular ones, imposing church directives on them. At the same time, the drive to remain competitive has led some medical centers to evade the directives. Alongside those economic forces, changes in the church hierarchy have led increasingly conservative bishops to exert more influence over Catholic hospitals (Stein, 1/19). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.