State Auditor Probes Madison Parish Hospital Over Revenues

TALLULAH, La. (AP) — Madison Parish Hospital, which has exceeded revenues for the past two years, is being investigated by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office.

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera tells The News-Star a team from the office's compliance audit section has been reviewing the hospital's financial records for the past four weeks.

At a July 11 special meeting, the Hospital Service District's Board of Commissioners accepted administrator Wendell Alford's resignation, effective 180 days from July 11.

In the meantime, Paula Walker will serve as interim administrator.

Walker declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. She said hospital officials are awaiting the final report.

The audit of the 2009 and 2010 fiscal years showed the hospital had an operating income loss of $1.6 million and $618,515 million respectively.