BRF Will Continue to Run University Health in Shreveport

KEEL News has confirmed with several sources that BRF will continue to manage University Health in Shreveport along with the safety net hospital in Monroed.
The state and BRF reached a deal today after a lengthy back and forth debate about funding.

The Times reports the final agreement was reached following weeks of tense negotiations.

Administration Commissioner Jay Dardenneand the Governor gave BRF a take-it-or-leave-it offer a few weeks ago and then just recently issued a termination notice with a 45 day deadline. The two sides reached a deal Sunday night, but had to get the ok from other groups Monday before signing off on the proposal.

BRF Chairman Steve Skrivanos issued this statement:

We're delighted to reach an agreement to be able to work with the state and LSU to advance our partnership and one that will include third-party resolution, which we believe will reduce some of the conflict that has been present since the very beginning. I want to thank the governor and Matthew Block for their hard work in making this happen.

The Governor's Executive Counsel, Matth Block also released a statement:

We've obviously put a lot of work into all of the partnership agreements to make sure these hospitals continue to provide top quality care in a manner that's also accountable to the taxpayers. It was important to the governor to make sure the agreements, especially in Shreveport, make good on his commitment to support the medical school as well as the hospitals.

KEEL News will have in depth coverage of this new agreement on Tuesday morning.