State law exempts public hospitals from state purchasing and bid laws and allows these hospitals to participate in group purchase programs. These programs have become an important purchasing alternative for public hospitals in the state. However, the law is unclear as to the definition of a qualified group purchase program. Currently, Mississippi public hospitals participate in groups that may not qualify under the law. State agency and university hospitals are not included as allowed group participants which, if allowed, could increase volume and result in lower prices. Also, the law does not make any state agency responsible for monitoring public hospital compliance with the law.
PEER suggests three legislative options:
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.