FOR-PROFIT HOSPITALS—WE DEMAND THAT HEALTHCARE $ BE USED FOR PATIENT CARE, NOT EXCESSIVE PROFITS

WHEREAS, for-profit hospitals are becoming an increasing presence in the healthcare industry; and

WHEREAS, serious concerns have been raised about the "business model" and practices of for-profit hospitals, including the reduction and elimination of services to the community, as well as pulling out of insurance contracts in order to make more money through out-of-network billing; and

WHEREAS, for-profit hospitals have cut staffing and reduced services while the owners have made excessive profits; and

WHEREAS, both for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals rely on taxpayer-financed funding sources, such as Medicare, Medicaid and charity care, but not-for-profits, unlike their for-profit counterparts, are required to make extensive financial and governance disclosures to regulators and the public:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will support state legislative campaigns which ensure that for-profit hospitals are required to provide the same financial and management information that not-for-profit hospitals currently provide; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will develop and produce reports, fliers, and fact sheets on the "business model" and practices of for-profit hospitals in order to educate our membership and the public on the negative impact of the for-profit hospital "business model"; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will work with others to ensure that all hospitals—whether public, not-for-profit, or for-profit—use healthcare dollars wisely, provide quality services, respect the rights of their staff, and are transparent in their financial and management dealings.