Published on Ocala.com: Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 9:21 a.m

The list of seven healthcare organizations wanting to lease Munroe Regional Medical Center or buy the 420-bed hospital was whittled from seven to four on Wednesday.

The eight-member Strategic Options Assessment Workgroup, a group assembled by the hospital district trustees, decided Wednesday to continue its focus on Ardent Health Services, Community Health Systems, Health Management Associates and LifePoint Hospitals.

Cut from the list were LHP Hospital Group, RegionalCare Hospital Partners and Universal Health Services.

The work group will continue the elimination process by allowing applicants to make presentations. Members also will visit applicants’ hospitals.

The hospital district trustees could accept the work group’s recommendations at the end of the process or reject it. Meanwhile, trustees are also reviewing the process of seeking a half-cent sales tax.

http://www.ocala.com/article/20120308/ARTICLES/120309753