Has Kootenai Health outgrown the hospital district model?

Hospital releases white paper, plans forum on possible conversion to a nonprofit

Kootenai Health’s leadership is poised to decide whether the hospital district should transition from being government-owned to a nonprofit organization. But some feel the decision may be too hasty.

Kootenai Health not for sale

Kootenai Health leadership shut down speculation this week that another entity is preparing to buy the hospital. “There are no discussions with any health care organization to purchase Kootenai Health,” hospital CEO Jon Ness said Tuesday. Readers have reached out to The Press asking for clarity on rumors circulating about a potential purchase. Meanwhile, local blogs have alluded to Kootenai Health’s partnership with MultiCare Health System, a not-for-profit health care organization based in Tacoma, Wash.