Gainesville-based University of Florida President Kent Fuchs revealed the university's plans to increase oversight of UF Health Shands Hospital's finances, according to News Service of Florida.
The UF board of trustees adopted a new policy Jan. 30 to curb the health system's $1.35 billion debt, 80 percent of which comes from UF Health Shands Hospital.
Under the directive, the hospital board will not be able to move forward on any debt reduction plan without the approval of Mr. Fuchs, who serves on the hospital's board, and the university trustee jointly appointed to serve on the board. The hospital must also provide bi-annual reports detailing the status of the hospital's debt to university trustees, the board of governors and the state Division of Bond Finance, according to the article.
"We strongly believe that these enhanced governance initiatives will provide proper university oversight of Shands entities, while preserving the structure that has enabled Shands to successfully serve the state of Florida and provide outstanding care to Floridians," said Mr. Fuchs.