Journal Staff
A national medical staffing firm has filed a civil lawsuit against Minden Medical Center claiming non-payment of services.
Barton & Associates is seeking $49,966.92 plus “…legal interest from the date of judicial demand, until paid, reasonable attorney’s fees and all costs of these proceedings.”
Attorneys for Barton & Associates filed the suit naming CLHG-Minden, LLC d/b/a Minden Medical Center shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court.
According to its website, Barton & Associates specializes in “locus tenens” staffing which connects licensed medical professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, with hospitals and other healthcare facilities nationwide.
In healthcare, locus tenens describes a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who works temporarily at a clinic or hospital to cover staff shortages, medical leaves, or heavy patient volumes.
Reported continuing financial difficulties at the local hospital has drawn the attention of two local public bodies, with both agreeing to split the cost of a consultant to look inside operations at MMC.
During their August meetings, the Minden City Council and the Webster Parish Police Jury voted to share expenses of $5,000 monthly and hire Harris DeVille & Associates for ninety days with a goal of preserving healthcare access for the city of Minden.
Police jury members also requested a separate investigation into MMC’s operations. At its June meeting, the jury unanimously passed a resolution asking the state Dept. of Health to look into matters including staffing levels, equipment reliability and availability of essential medications and supplies.