State Panel Approves OSU Hospital Plan

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A plan to provide new financial support to Oklahoma State University's teaching hospital has passed its first hurdle.

The state House Appropriations and Budget Committee Monday approved legislation to provide $5 million to the hospital.

State House Speaker Chris Benge says the measure is part of a 5-year agreement in which the state will provide $5 million in operating funds each year.

11/26/2008  Related story:  Tentative Agreement To Save OSUMC Reached

The OSU Medical Center in Tulsa is home to Oklahoma State's osteopathy program, which trains doctors. Many of them serve rural parts of the state.

The future of the hospital was in question late last year as an agreement between the hospital's owner and OSU fell apart.

The current owner, Ardent Health Services, has agreed to donate the hospital to a trust.