Transparency triumphs

The Texas Medical Association helped a group of Weslaco physicians win a preliminary victory for financial transparency at nonprofit hospitals in their ongoing legal battle with a local hospital. Twenty-six physicians, who created the Trust of Weslaco, alleged financial improprieties at Knapp Medical Center and reported quality-of-care concerns such as inadequate coverage by specialists, an insufficient number of nurses and support staff, and a high turnover of nurses and support staff. Judge Israel Ramon Jr. ordered the medical center to release balance sheets; cash flow statements; management letters from the external auditor; compensation documentation for all employees; documentation of deferred executive compensation; and other financial records.