Judge rules for CCHB in big hospital case

A Leon County circuit court judge on Wednesday upheld a state law that gives oversight of Citrus Memorial hospital to the Citrus County Hospital Board of Trustees.

Judge Jackie Fulford's ruling is a significant victory for the CCHB and just as significant a blow to the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation Board of Directors.

The law, which gives trustees controlling votes of the foundation, was passed last year and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott.

The foundation sued, saying the law improperly violates a valid contract between the foundation and CCHB.

Fulford disagreed, saying that the foundation is not a private not-for-profit company and acts more as an agent of the government.

The foundation is expected to appeal the ruling.

For more, see Thursday's Chronicle.