HOSPITAL CONVERSION TRENDS

This DataWatch presents information on the extent, geographic distribu tion, and other issues related to hospital conversions during the 1980 s and 1990s. On average, 1 percent of hospitals convert each year. Man y states experienced hospital conversions, but much of the conversion activity was concentrated in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. While conversions of not-for-profit hospitals to for-profit status hav e received significant attention, conversions of public hospitals and for-profit hospitals raise complex policy issues, as well.