The State and local program for hospitalization of the indigent and medically indigent presents a continuing problem necessitating periodic reappraisal of and changes in the laws relating thereto. The ever rising costs of hospitalization and the rapidly and constantly increasing population of the State render provisions for financing the program inadequate almost as soon as these provisions are amended and improved from time to time. The program is a joint State and local effort, on a matching basis. Participation, and the extent of participation, of the cities and counties in the program is voluntary. Therefore, the lack of funds to furnish an necessary hospitalization to these unfortunate people is not entirely a matter of insufficient State appropriations to the program.

Various suggestions have been made from time to time for changes in the State and Local Hospitalization Act. The General Assembly at its 1958 Regular Session, recognizing the need for a re-study and re-evaluation of the State and local hospitalization program, adopted Senate Joint Resolution No. 34.

The Council assigned the study to Dr. J. D. Hagood, of Clover, a member of the Council and the the Senate of Virginia, to serve as Chairman of the Committee to make the preliminary investigation and report on the study. The following were selected to serve with Dr. Hagood on the Committee: Dr. L. P. Bailey, a member of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors, Nathalie; LeRoy E. Batchelor, Attorney at Law, Arlington; Harold I. Baumes, Executive Secretary, League of Virginia Municipalities, Richmond; Charles P. Cardwell, Jr., Director of Hospitals, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond; Dr. W. C. Elliott, a member of the House of Delegates, Lebanon; Dr. Malcolm H. Harris, West Point; W. Marvin Minter, a member of the Senate of Virginia, Mathews; Robert D. Morrison, City Manager; Lynchburg; and William B. Speck, Field Secretary, League of Virginia Counties, Charlottesville.

Dr. Harris was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee and John B. Boatwright, Jr., and G. M. Lapsley served as Secretary and Recording Secretary, respectively.

The Committee held several meetings and thoroughly considered the problem. In the course of its deliberations, the Committee took into consideration previous studies on this subject, the laws of other states, and considerable data and figures on the State and local program for hospitalization of the indigent and medically indigent. It also held a public hearing, which was well attended. At this hearing the Committee heard suggestions and comments by hospital administrators, public health officials, public welfare officials and members of the Governmental Relations Committee of the Virginia Hospital Association.

The Committee completed its deliberations and made its report to the Council. The Council has carefully considered the report of the Committee and now submits its findings and makes the recommendations hereinafter set forth.