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Steps to Evaluate our Current Structure

In evaluating the best path forward for Lee Health and determining what would be best for the residents of Lee County, the Lee Health Board of Directors must follow certain steps as outlined by the Florida Legislature.

Significant work must be done to consider and weigh all options. This will be a thorough and lengthy discernment process of gathering facts and analyzing data to help us determine the optimal structure for Lee Health.

Step One: Elect to Conduct Evaluation

  • The Lee Health Board of Directors may elect by a majority vote to conduct an evaluation of the benefits to the residents of Lee County to return Lee Health to a private nonprofit model from its current status as a public nonprofit health system.
  • On August 31, 2023, the Lee Health Board of Directors voted in favor of commencing an evaluation.

Step Two: The Evaluate Optimal Path Forward

  • In evaluating the potential benefits of returning to a nonprofit health system, the Board of Directors must do the following things:
    • Contract with an experienced entity to conduct an evaluation and complete a report in 180 days. Kaufman Hall, a recognized expert in this field of work, has been hired to conduct the evaluation.
    • Conduct a public hearing
    • Publish all related documents on its website

Step Three: Best Interests of Residents

  • Within 120 days of the Board’s receipt of the final evaluation report, the Board may, by majority vote, determine whether the interests of the residents of Lee County are best served by converting the health system to a nonprofit entity.

Step Four: Negotiate Agreement

  • Within 120 days of the Board’s determination that such a conversion is in the best interests of the residents of Lee County, the Board must negotiate, draft and complete a proposed agreement with the Lee County Commission that sets out the terms of the conversion.

Step Five – Approval of Agreement

  • The Board of Directors may approve the agreement by a majority vote plus one in a publicly held meeting. Subsequently, the Lee County Board of Commissioners may also approve the agreement in a public meeting.

Each step of the process presents an opportunity for the Board to assess returning to a private nonprofit entity and whether to proceed forward or stop the process.