By Pat Culverhouse
A resolution requesting “…review and appropriate oversight by the Louisiana Dept. of Health regarding Minden Medical Center” received unanimous approval Tuesday from the Webster Parish Police Jury.
During its governmental affairs committee meeting, chairman and jury president Jim Bonsall said he was requesting support of the resolution since concerns have been raised regarding several factors affecting the hospital.
“We’ve heard of situations at our hospital for some time and I believe it’s time we took the appropriate steps to address those problems,” Bonsall said. “Our hospital, the employees and the healthcare for our people all are important to us.”
Bonsall said the resolution’s language is similar to one passed by the Lincoln Parish Police Jury concerning Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston.
“Since our problems are similar, we thought the language of their resolution would be appropriate,” he told committee members.
Both NLMC and MMC are operated by Allegiance Health Management of Bossier City. Both reportedly have seen difficult financial situations recently, including vendor liens and federal tax liens. MMC reportedly remains under an Internal Revenue Service lien for more than $2.4 million in unpaid payroll taxes.
In the resolution, concerns are raised concerning vendor obligations, supply-chain interruptions, employee confidence and the hospital’s ability to maintain the staffing, supplies, equipment and services necessary for safe patient care.
Also, the resolution notes the Police Jury is aware of reports concerning emergency department readiness, patient monitoring equipment, sanitation, medical waste handling, security, building conditions and other operational support issues.
Specifically, the resolution requests that the state health department conduct a timely review of Minden Medical Center and its current operations including:
Clinical Safety: evaluation of staffing levels, equipment reliability and the availability of essential medications and supplies.
Facility Standards: assessment of sanitation, medical waste protocols and general building conditions.
Operational Viability: investigation into financial or vendor issues that may impede safe patient care or service continuity.
Emergency Readiness: review of diversion protocols, EMS coordination and transfer agreements.
Resolution language also requests the state department of health coordinate with relevant state or federal agencies for any matters outside its jurisdiction. It further asks that a written status update be provided to the jury within 30 days, followed by monthly progress reports until the review is concluded.
In addition to the state health department, the resolution is also being forward to the Webster Parish legislative delegation.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, jury members:
Approved a 10 percent increase in the employee insurance premiums, and agreed to pay the employee portion of the increase. Currently, the police jury pays 87 percent of the premium for its employees and 80 percent of the premium for library employees.
Approved the Minden Press-Herald as jury’s official journal. With the closure of the Springhill Press, the police jury’s website will be listed as the publication journal for the parish.
Adopted millage rates for 2026.
Approved a pair of ordinances authorizing sale of adjudicated properties.
Adopted a resolution approving a tax renewal election in Fire Protection District 3 (Doyline) set Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Below, Homeland Security Director Brian Williams gives a report to the police jury.
