An audit of the taxpayer funded trust that helps pay for indigent care at University of Hospital has found that the trust lacks sufficient oversight.The review of the Quality and Charity Care Trust by State Auditor Adam Edelen released today also found weaknesses in the structure of the QCCT board.Edelen says the audit found no misuse of funds. The trust receives more than $30 million in state and city money each year for indigent care.QCCT board chairman Dr. David Dunn (at left in photo with U of L Medical Center President Dr. James Taylor) says the board is pleased with Edelen’s report.“What we consider to be a very positive series of statements about QCCT. We will be putting additional governance in place per his request in the first seven points,” Dunn said.The audit also says that better processes are needed to insure that indigent funds are being spent only on those who cannot afford care, but University Medical Center President Dr. James Taylor says record gathering can be difficult in emergency situations.“We give our best effort but we’re not going to deny people care because they won’t fill out a form and there are some people, who, frankly, we can’t find after they leave. So we will try very hard to get an application but we’re not going to deny care because there is no application,” Taylor said.The audit was requested by U of L President James Ramsey following reports that the QCCT board was not holding regular meetings as required under its bylaws.
