State and Local Government Officials · Executive Director Office: (615) 849-2629 Fax (615) 849-2679 ... One of my responsibilities as County Mayor is to promote the economic well-being

State and Local Government Officials

The City of Murfreesboro Office of the Mayor

111 West Vine Street Post Office Box 1139 Murfreesboro, TN 37133-1139

April 24, 2020

Mr. Logan Grant Executive Director

Office: (615) 849-2629 Fax (615) 849-2679

Email: [email protected]

Health Services and Development Agency 502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor Andrew Jackson State Office Building Nashville, TN 37243-0200

Re: Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital - 56 bed hospital

Dear Mr. Grant :

I am writing to offer my full support of the expansion of Vanderbilt 's footprint in the City of Murfreesboro. We have partnered with Vanderbilt successfully over the last several years and appreciate the benefit they provide the residents in Murfreesboro.

Murfreesboro is already known as being a regional hub for healthcare in Tennessee. The level of services that our medical community provides is already second to none, and the City is always supportive of expanding those services to our residents . The economic benefit that the healthcare community provides Murfreesboro is already substantial and we are supportive of continuing to build on this strong base.

The City knows the solid reputation that Vanderbilt University Medical Center has established, and we support any expansion our community businesses undertake.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional information or be of further service in any way.

Sincerely,

Shane McFarland Mayor, City of Murfreesboro

BILL KETRON COUNTY MAYOR

Logan Grant Executive Director Tennessee Health Services

and Development Agency 502 Deaderick Street Andrew Jackson Building, 9'" Floor Nashville, TN 37243

RUTHERFORD COUNTY . TENNESSEE

Re: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Certificate of Need Application for Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital

Dear Mr. Grant:

I have the honor as serv ing as the Mayor of Rutherford County, and I am submitting this letter in in reference to the proposal by Vanderbilt University Medical Center to build a new hospital on Veterans Parkway in Murfreesboro.

Rutherford County has experienced explosive growth . The Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee estimates our population in 2020 to be over 340,000, and by 2028 our populat ion will top 400,000 . It is imperative that our infrastructure, including our health care system, keep up with our growth.

Vanderbilt has already made significant investment in the community in facilities and services. This commitment by Vanderbilt has allowed our residents to get access to certain specialized physician and outpatient services without making the burdensome, time-consuming trip to Nashville. Vanderbilt's proposal to build a hospital in Murfreesboro will deepen its commitment to the community and will enable some local residents who are VUMC patients to avoid travel to Nashville for inpatient care.

The proposed Vanderbilt hospital is a unique opportunity to elevate patient care and patient choice in the community. One of my responsibilities as County Mayor is to promote the economic well-being of the county. A Vanderbilt hosp ital in Murfreesboro will unquestionably contribute to our economic vitality and further enhance our stature as a highly desirable place to live.

I am very supportive of the Vanderbilt proposal , and the majority of my constituents feel likewise. I hope the Agency will favorably consider the proposal.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment.

Sincerely yours,

~¥~ Mayor

ROOM 101, COUNTY COURTHOUSE • MURFREESBORO, TN 371 30 • ((815) 898-7745 • FAX (615) 898-7747 C,~

SENATOR SHANE REEVES

1411 SENATORJAL DISTRJCT BEDFORD, LINCOLN, MARSHALL,

MOORE & RUTHERFORD

NASHVILLE OFFICE 425 5th A VENUE, NORTH

CORDELL HULL BUILDING, SUITE 752 NASHVILLE, TN 37243

(6 15)74 1-1066 {i}/enat,e ~

State ofTennessee

April 23, 2020

Mr. Logan Grant Executive Director Health Services and Development Agency 502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor Andrew Jackson State Office Building Nashville, TN 37243-0200

NASHVILLE


Dear Mr. Grant:

MEMBER OF COMMITTEES

HEALTH & WELFARE STA TE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ENERGY, AGRICULTURE, & NATURAL RESOURCES

EMAIL ADDRESS : [email protected]

I am writing to express my support for Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital 's Certificate ofNeed application .

In Rutherford County, we are very fortunate to have strong representation from both the Ascension and the HCA hospital systems (not to mention Trustpoint and the VA), but the growth of our county can support additional hospital beds specifically when a number of those beds are focused on providing acute pediatric care. ·

Additionally, I fully recognize that healthcare is not a free market but believe that competition can play a role in providing increased access to care, higher quality outcomes for patients and lower costs / premiums for employers. The addition of Vanderbilt to Rutherford County will provide that level of competition without significantly disrupting the existing hospital systems.

Please g ive Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital 's application your special attention and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Senator Shane Reeves 14th District

CHARLIE BAUM

STATE REPRESENTATIVE 37TH HOUSE DISTR ICT

COMMITTEES Finance

Education Consu111er & Hu111an Resources


WtUtltSStt l!inuSt nf illtprtStntatiuts

NASHVILLE

April 23 , 2020


425 5TH Avenue North Suite 620 Cordell Hull 13u ilding

Nashvi lle. Tennessee 37243

PHONE: (6 15) 74 1-6849 FAX (6 15) 253 -0264

rep. char I ie. bau1110'capi tol. tn .gov

Re: Vanderbilt University Medical Center at Murfreesboro - 56-bed hospital

Dear Mr. Grant,

I am writing this letter in support of the proposed Vanderbilt University Medical Center at Murfreesboro. This fac ility will provide 56 hospital beds for our fast-growing county, improving access to li fe-saving health care.

We would be happy for any hospital to move into Rutherford County, but the opportunity to have Vanderbilt ' s nationally recognized services and programs available in our community is an opportunity we cannot let pass. Vanderbilt is known for researchdriven, cost-effective, high-quality health care, and the citi zens of Murfreesboro and smTounding communiti es would benefit greatly from their presence.

The need for more hospital beds in Rutherford County is great. Since 1990, our county' s population has increased by over 200,000 residents - nearly three times in size. In light of our recent pandemic, the need for more beds has become even clearer in a high-growth county like ours. A denser population means the chance of dangerous illnesses spreading quickly has become even greater. Every bed offers life-saving ability in times such as these.

I'm confident VUMC-Murfreesboro would improve patient care by increasing access. You know from our many conversations on this topic that I favor increased access, not only for its li fe-saving potential , but also for the opportunity to breed competition and

lower costs. I full y support Vanderbilt ' s proposed hospital , and I whole-hearted ly encourage you to approve.

Sincere ly,

~~,~$ Charlie Baum

. . . creating a better quality of life

Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department 220 NW Broad Street * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130 * Phone 615 893 1422 * Fax 615 848 3201 * TDD 615 849 2689

www.murfreesborotn.gov

August 10, 2020 Mr. Logan Grant, Executive Director Health Services and Development Agency Andrew Jackson State Office Building 502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor Nashville, TN 37243 RE: Certificate of Need Application (CN2004-012)- Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital, Murfreesboro (Rutherford County), TN Dear Mr. Grant, I’m pleased to offer my full support for the Certificate of Need application filed by Vanderbilt University Medical Center to construct a hospital in Murfreesboro. Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department has an outstanding relationship with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt LifeFlight. For many years, we have utilized a strong, collaborative partnership with Vanderbilt to ensure that our personnel are adequately trained to provide high performance emergency medical services in our community. As you may already be aware, our community is growing at a phenomenal rate and that growth is projected to continue. Adequate healthcare is and will continue to be a tremendous need for our community, this project will have a definitive positive impact on our community healthcare system. I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this project. Sincerely, Mark Foulks Fire Chief [email protected]

Medical Groups and Physicians

June 16, 2020

Logan Grant Executive Director

MURFREESBORO

MEDICAL CLINIC &S URGI CENTER

Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency 502 Deaderick Street Andrew Jackson Building, 9th Floor Nashville, TN 37243

Re: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Proposed Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital

Dear Mr. Grant:

This letter is submitted on behalf of Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (MMC) in support of the certificate of need application filed by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) to establish a new hospital in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee.

MMC first opened its doors in 1949 with 2 physicians, an internist and general surgeon. We now have almost 90 physicians in 20 specialties. We have three outpatient clinic facilities as well as two retail walkin clinics in Murfreesboro. We have our own ambulatory surgical treatment center as well as radiology and laboratory services. MMC is also the largest multiple-specialty group in Rutherford County.

In the last 20 years, MMC has grown from less than 40 physicians to our current level. This growth has been largely driven by the tremendous population increase that has occurred in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. When MMC opened in 1949, the population of Rutherford County and Murfreesboro population was about 40,000 and 13,000, respectively; today Rutherford County has more than 325,000 residents while the city's population is approaching 150,000. Additionally, our community has become a regional medical destination for those residents of neighboring counties coming to MMC and other healthcare facilities to receive care.

For many years, our community has been served admirably by Ascension Saint Thomas-Rutherford Hospital (STRH) and, more recently, by TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center (StoneCrest). Both facilities continue to provide quality care to the citizens of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County and surrounding areas. However, the region 's recent population growth as well as the projected growth over the next decade necessitates that additional hospital resources are needed. With the population of Rutherford County projected to grow by more than l 00,000 people in the next decade, those new residents need a place to receive care.

1272 Garrison Drive• Murfreesboro, TN 37 129 615-893-448 0 • www.mmclinic.com • 1-800-842-6692

The reputation and clinical excellence of VUMC enables it to attract a significant number of patients from Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, including many patients referred by MMC's physicians. VUMC's decision to put a hospital in Murfreesboro/Rutherford County will enable our community to better serve our current population in the community without the need for them to travel to receive care. While not necessarily healthcare related, serving patients closer to their homes also reduces pollution as well as traffic on our congested roadways.

Our support for and relationships with STRH and StoneCrest will continue, but those patients who prefer YUM C, either because of insurance network reasons or because of personal choice will greatly benefit from having a Vanderbilt hospital closer to where they live. A Vanderbilt hospital in Murfreesboro will create a stronger complement of medical resources for the community.

For the reasons outlined above, MMC strongly supports the Vanderbilt application and we respectfully urge its approval.

08/12/2020 13: 18

August 12, 2020

Mr. Logan Grant Executive Director Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency 502 Deaderick Street Andrew Jackson Building, 9th Floor Nashville, TN 37243-0200

(FAX)

Re: Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Proposed Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital

Dear Mr. Grant:

P,002/002

This letter Is submitted in support of the certificate of need flied by Vanderbilt University Medical Center to establish new hospital in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee,

I have been a pediatrician at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic for 23 years. I have a good relationship with the two current hospitals here in Rutherford County. Both Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital and TriStar StoneCrest Hospital serve the patients of Rutherford County well. My practice is not limited to patients only from Rutherford County. I see children from Cannon, Bedford, Coffee, Warren, DeKalb and Wilson Counties as well. The vast majority of specialists that my patients see are at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville. We do have some satellite options now In Murfreesboro from Vanderbilt. If one of my patients needs to be hospitalized overnight, it will usually be at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville. Having a facility In Rutherford County that has a direct connection to a Children"s Hospital would be a benefit for my patients and their families. Having a facility that could take care of a hospitalized child in Rutherford County would be of benefit for my patients and their families. It is much less disruptive for the family as a whole to have their care given closer to home.

Vanderbilt Children"s Hospital has been the standard of care for pediatrics In this region for as long as I have been practice. I think that they would bring a level of pediatric care to Rutherford County that we currently are unable to provide. The emergency department at Saint Thomas Rutherford and StoneCrest do an excellent job of treating children. Vanderbilt would allow us to continue care in the community without having to transfer children to Nashville.

For the reasons outlined above, I strongly support the Vanderbilt application for a hospital in Rutherford County.

Middle Tennessee Family Medicine 237 W. Northfield Boulevard, Suite 101; Murfreesboro, TN 37129; Phone 615-848-2900, Fax 615-848-2956

www.middletennesseefamilymedicine.com

Warren 0 . Langworthy, MD

June 17, 2020

Mr. Logan Grant Executive Director Health Services and Development Agency 503 Deadrick Street, 9th Floor Andrew Jackson State Office Building Nashville, TN 37243-0200

Dear Mr. Grant:

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Scott R. Eller, MD

Since I arrived in August 1989 as a primary care physician, Murfreesboro has grown from 40,000 to 150,000 people, and the need for high quality hospital services has exploded. During this time hospital care has become much more complex, requiring high level services and a variety of service options. Vanderbilt's main hospital campus in nearby Nashville has established a distinguished reputation for excellence, and its presence in Murfreesboro would raise the level of patient care and dramatically expand services to Rutherford County patients.

Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital will not only be a positive force for the Vanderbilt hospital system, it will improve the performance of the other Rutherford County Hospitals by forcing competition for patients and services. Because Vanderbilt is a research center and medical school , it attracts the highest quality of scientists, professors, and physicians. This level of expertise will demand that the existing hospitals perform at the highest level to compete for Rutherford County patients.

During my 31 years of family practice in Murfreesboro, I have referred many patients to the Vanderbilt system for specialty care in Cardiology, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, Gastroenterology, and Endocrinology with sterling results. Patients return with stories of conscientious physicians, superlative nursing care and positive outcomes. I would be thrilled if my patients did not have to leave home to receive this level of care.

I have been pleased to witness Vanderbilt's desire to support the highest level of primary care, realizing that primary care is necessary for the full spectrum of patient care and the door to specialty and hospital care. The relationship between primary care doctor and specialist is crucial to the welfare of patients as they look to their primary care physician to choose the specialist and healthcare facility that will best serve them in their most vulnerable moments. Vanderbilt's presence in a growing town that already attracts some of the best in primary care has the potential for taking the healthcare of our city to even higher levels. Murfreesboro must not miss out on this opportunity.

·] ~ Warren Langworth~

Ashley Castle, FNP Krista Crabtree, FNP

Janet Hannah, FNP Megan Martin, FNP

Kristine Sherman, FNP Robert Weber, FNP

Jill Welker, FNP Andrea Young, FNP

dth e

LEEP EN~ERS

or ~ d le Te nnessee


Re: Vanderbi lt Rutherford Hospital - 56 bed hospital

Dear Mr. Grant:

I am writing in support of the proposed Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital.

Contact Us Phone (615)893-4896

www.sleepcenterinfo.com

I was the first pulmonary and sleep medicine specialist in Rutherford County 28 years ago, and through the years there has been substantial growth in our county and our medical facilities. Ascension (St. Thomas Health) purchased Middle Tennessee Med ical Center (MTMC), now St Thomas Rutherford, and built a wonderful new facility on Medical Center Pkwy. HCA built Stonecrest Hospital, an exceptional faci lity, in Smyrna. Both are advanced, well-run hospitals that I believe provide great care. I have firsthand knowledge.

I also have first-hand knowledge of the care provided by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), having collaborated with providers from Vanderbilt over the years. Despite the superior care that exists in Rutherford County, there are stil l patients that require services and expertise found only at VUMC.

The proposed facility in western Rutherford County shou ld also service the eastern part of Williamson County. These are growing communities and will need greater se rvices in the future.

I remember thinking when Stonecrest opened conveniently right on 1-24 that it would hurt the former MTMC across town away from the interstate, but it did not. I remember we continued to see more and more patients in the ICU at MTMC. Then, when MTMC moved across town near the interstate, I thought it would really hurt Stonecrest, but the hospita l has apparently done well under excellent leadership.

The new Vanderbilt facility provides a choice and competition which usual ly improves quality. It also provides greater access to care. Hopefully, there will be additional services not currently provided in the county.

The three hospital systems do well together in Nashville. I believe Rutherford county is now big enough to support the three, and I imagine the new facility will also draw patients from Will iamson County, which the current Rutherford County facilities do very little.

William H Noah, MD Sleep Centers of Middle Tennessee and MTSU Sleep Research Consortium

1508 Carl Adams Dr, Ste 200 I Murfreesboro, TN 371 29 3326 Aspen Grove Dr, Ste 260 I Franklin , TN 37067 1750 Memorial Dr I Clarksville, TN 37043

A,As•,A I

ACCRE DI TED 'I: IYI Facility Member·

Business and Community Leaders

School of Nursing MTSU Box 81 130 I l:.ast Main ~treet Murfreesboro. TN 37 132 (615) 898-243 7



Re : Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital - 56 bed hospital

Dear Mr. Grant :

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE L :-..IVERSITY

The pu rpose of my correspondence is to offer full support for the addition of the Vanderbilt Rutherford

56-bed Hospital facility . I believe it is a great opportun ity to offer Vanderbilt's nationally-recognized

programs and services to the ci t izens of Rutherford County. I am aware that many people from

Rutherford County must t ravel to Nashville to access needed healthcare services that may not currently

be avai lable in Rutherford County. The addition of the new Vanderbi lt Facility will improve access to care

and prevent unnecessary travel tha t may be a hardship for many individuals.

Many members of my family have used numerous services at Vanderbilt to include Trauma Care,

Transplant Care, Surgical Service, Diagnostic and Outpatient Services to include Cardiac Care (in

Murfreesboro), ENT Care, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Bill Wilkerson Hearing Clinic, and Vestibular

Rehabil itation . All were positive expe riences. While I realize it is not possible to offer all these services in

Murfreesboro, it would be beneficial to our citizens to have access to a variety of commonly used

specialty areas here in Rutherford County .

In addition, as Director for the School of Nursing at Middle Tennessee State University, I value our

current partnership with Vanderbilt for graduate and undergrad ua te student placement in various areas

of the Nashville hospital and outpat ient clinics. Vanderbilt recruiters come to our campus each semester

to recruit our graduates for the numerous residency programs now offered by Vanderbi lt University

Medical Center. Having a Vanderbilt facility in Rutherford County would be a tremendous benefit to our

students as an additional site for clinical placement opportunities, and MTSU could provide a direct

pipe line for providing needed Registe red Nurses for the facility.

Most Sincerely,

~~ Jenny Sauls, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE

Professor and Director

MTSU is an equal opportunity, nan-racially Identifiable, educational institution that does not discriminate individuals with disabllltles.

Mr. Logan Grant F "CUtl ✓ E' It., t H

Health Services and Development Agency Q' Pc]L, < .) " 9Li'' L: ) )

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9 Office of the President

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Lync hburg, TN 37352-8500

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Rutherhrtl ( Junty cont1nuPc; to be 011P of thr nation's fas est grnwmc> a,,_ a., thu) the 1wecl for e1ccessilile, ll1gh-qur1I ty healmcare contmues tor se nw Ve1nckr b,lt U111ver·s1ty f'v1ec11 al Center hospital 1>xpa11s101 into the Rutherfo1·cl C1unty a1Pa not only nr ov1cles resident, with 1c cess to e:<cPIIPnt healthc-,11 P, it ::ilsn enhanL ec; the eco110m1c strengrh and q.Jality of lif, ,v1tl'1n our community a., VUMC 1s a top-r1e1 employer

We g,eatly value VUMC' he~lth serv1ces ancl apprPc1ate their suppo1·' of f'vlotlov1 State As tf'e number one coinrnu111ty college in Tennessee, we look fon,varcl to om1nurn~ our pa1tn"1,h1p wrtl VU'v!C ::ind work1 1g rogf'the1 to advance our cornrn11rwy .:incl J rr wo1kforce

Dr . Mi chael Torrence

, res denr 'vliJt 0 1A State


UTH ERFORD COUNTY chamber of_commerce TENNESSEE



Dear Mr. Grant:

I'm writing to express my support for the proposed Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital.

I have served as the Senior Vice President for Education and Workforce Development at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce for the past seven years. In this role I work directly with employers to provide support for talent recruitment and retention opportunities. Access to quality health care is an important component of talent recruitment. As Rutherford County continues to see unprecedented population growth (21 % since 2010), the need for the nationally recognized services and programs that Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital provides becomes even more important to meet the health care needs of a diverse population and the economic growth of our community.

In addition to providing life-saving health care, the addition of Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital presents the possibility that our local post-secondary education providers can expand allied health programing in partnership with the hospital. The current COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the shortage of nurses, respiratory therapists and medical lab technicians and technologists nationwide. With the addition of clinical space provided by a new hospital, TCAT Murfreesboro, Motlow Community College and Middle Tennessee State University will be presented with the possibility of adding new programs and expanding enrollments in existing programs.

I believe the addition of the Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital will bring significant health and economic benefits to Murfreesboro and Rutherford County and look forward to the opportunity to support the facility and leadership team.

K. Beth Duffield Senior Vice President, Education & Workforce Development [email protected] 615-806-9839

3050 Medical Center Parkway Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-278-2326

t br1 THE COLLEGE SYSTEM of TENNESSEE

Office of Economic and Community Dcvclopmcnf

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April 21 , 2020

Mr. Logan Grant, Executive Director Health Services and Development Agency 502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor Andrew Jackson State Office Building Nashville, TN 37243-0200

Re: Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital Project

Dear Mr. Grant:

r understand that Vanderbilt University Medical Center proposes a new undertaking in Murfreesboro: a new facility near the intersection of Veterans Parkway and S.R. 840 on land already owned by VUMC. The project will be presented at the August 26th Health Services and Development Agency meeting, and prior to that meeting I would like to indicate my support for the development of this new facility.

The Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee College of Applied TechnologyMurfreesboro both have a keen interest in the well-being of the citizens of Rutherford County- and as a resident of Murfreesboro, r am intimately connected with the needs and interests of our community. As Rutherford County continues to be one of Tennessee' s and the nation's fastest growing areas, we must continue to invest in this area to help meet the expanding healthcare needs of its citizens.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to further discuss the VUMC Murfreesboro project. Collaborating to achieve Tennessee's higher education goals is the core of TB R's mission. Together we can achieve so many great things!

Sincerely,

~ iJ.~ Carol G. Puryear, Ed.D. Vice Chancellor for Economic and Community Development Interim President, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro

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discovery center

June 11, 2020


Discovery Center 502 SE Broad Street Murfreesboro. Tennessee 37130 615-890-2300



Dear Mr. Grant:

I am pleased to submit this letter with unwavering support for Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital to be located at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and S.R. 840. I understand that this land is already owned by Vanderbilt University Medical Center which makes this opportunity even more compelling .

As a member of the Rutherford County Industrial Development Board , a past Executive Board member of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Convention and Tourism Board , I understand the need for expanded health care facilities and services in our county. Rutherford County is the largest suburb in the Nashville MSA and one of the fastest growing counties in the USA. Murfreesboro is the 8th fastest growing mid-size city in the USA with 20 new residents per day. With the promise of continued growth in our county, it is imperative that access to patient care at our health care facilities keeps pace with our robust development and ever-increasing population . Truth be told , I believe having VUMC here in Rutherford County would be very appealing to companies that are considering a move to Tennessee.

More importantly, this opportunity to have Vanderbilt's nationally recognized and top-notch services and programs right here in our community is critical for patient access to care -especially on the west side of the county. Admittedly we have great care for the people of Rutherford County with the existence of two other hospital systems - however, I know of multiple first-hand accounts of limited and delayed access with both of these facilities . The outbreak of COVI D-19 has exacerbated this situation . I am also aware of many families making the trek to VUMC in Nashville to seek regular treatment and care. It would be life-changing for these fami lies to be able to seek care from Vanderbilt in their own backyard .

F:11gagi11g curious minds to ji,el tire jillure I www.explorethedc.org

Finally, I have had two powerful and memorable interactions with the renowned VUMC team.

The first involved life-saving surgery for a four-year-old boy named Kevin. Kevin and his father

Manuel flew from Nicaragua and stayed at our home in Murfreesboro for their pre-op time. With

thanks to the Vanderbilt physicians and staff, this tiny child is now well over six feet tall, healthy,

and plays major league baseball. More recently, I was called to the VUMC emergency room

where my daughter’s Belmont roommate had been involved in a hit and run drunk driving

incident. Since her parents were in Ohio, the Vanderbilt staff acted as the liaison with her

parents so I could help make decisions for them in absentia. In both cases I was beyond

impressed with the care and compassion that the medical teams showed. I want this same

access to expertise available for my friends and family right here in Rutherford County.

Sincerely,

Tara A. MacDougall

President and CEO

~a_

Mark Pirtle Real Estate Investments, LLC May 12, 2020

Mr. Logan Grant

Executive Director

Mark A. Pirtle Chief Manager

Health Services and Development Agency

502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor

Andrew Jackson State Office Building

Nashville, TN 37243-0200


Dear Mr. Grant:

I am a thirty-five -year member of the business and charitable community of Rutherford County. I have

been the owner of a successful commercial real estate development business, automobile dealership

and manufacturing company. The charitable projects I have been a member of are many.

I refer to my background to assure that you that I have seen Rutherford County become one of the

fastest growing counties in the country. Our populations have exploded, new jobs have been created at

a very impressive rate and new home construction is the fastest growing in the State.

We have improved our medical community because of the new Gateway Development in our City. This

has created a new major thoroughfare into our City. This new four lane from Interstate 24 has caused

unprecedented growth in retail, hospitality and a huge expansion of our medical community. Our

longtime St. Thomas Hospital built a new facility in the business section of the Gateway.

I have enjoyed excellent treatment from Vanderbilt Cardiology for over twenty years, and Vanderbilt

Rheumatology in Cool Springs. The beautiful new Children's Clinic that Vanderbilt just opened

represents over a fourteen-million-dollar investment in our City. It serves our entire County and

Counties to the South of Murfreesboro.

I very strongly support Vanderbilt's investment of $135,000,000 for a new hospital on Highway 840 and

Veteran's Parkway. We need this additional facility because the new St. Thomas Hospital is often full

and cannot accept additional patients.

The most vital need Vanderbilt will be providing are the new critical services such as a Neonatal

Intensive Care facility our County lacks. Additionally, the new hospital will have an expanded cardiology

surgery and procedure department. Many emergency cardiology procedures will now be performed in

our County instead of a risky transfer to a Nashville Hospital.

With our record growth in population, there is certainly a need for a new Vanderbilt Hospital.

Vanderbilt's national and world wide medical reputation is a very sought out addition to any

community. One of the fastest growing Counties in the Country is certainly an excellent fit.

Mark A. Pirtle

1639 Medical Center Parkway • Suite 20 0 • Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Phone: (615) 217-7577 • Fax: (615) 217-5046

S111artBank® May 17, 2020

Health Services and Development Agency

Re: letter of support for Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital Certificate of Need application

I am writing on behalf of Smart Bank to demonstrate our enthusiastic support of Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital's

Certificate of Need application.

As one of the fastest growing areas in Middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro is home to many residents who continually

seek medical care from Vanderbilt's main campus located approximately forty-five minutes from Murfreesboro;

however, the decision to utilize Vanderbilt's facilities can sometimes be accompanied by astronomical expenses.

Last October, my neighbor's five-year-old son experienced a se izure , which requ ired medical transport to the local

hospital. After initial tests and scans, the ch ild required intubation , and the physician 's recommendation was to

transfer him to Vanderbilt in order to receive more specified care. Because no ambulances were available, the

child was life-flighted to Vanderbilt, resulting in a $48,000 bill , on ly $8,000 of which was covered by insurance.

Leaving a fami ly of five with a $40,000 bi ll for a medically-necessary service is detrimental and could have

potential ly life-altering consequences. Provid ing Murfreesboro residents, like this family , with a more accessible

location would al low them to seek the highest quality health care without the potentially exorbitant cost of traveling

to Nashville.

This family 's story is just one of many that demonstrate the growing need for easier, more affordable access to the

health care services provided by Vanderbilt Hospital. As a resident of Rutherford County, I look forward to adding

such an asset to our community.

Sincerely,

Richard Flu harty

WWW.SMARTBANK.CDM

123 N. Church Street Murfreesboro, Tennessee 371 30

May 25, 2020

Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency

502 Deaderick Street, Andrew Jackson, 9th Floor

Nashville, Tennessee 37243

Re: Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital Certificate of Need

Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee

Gentlemen:

I write in support of the subject Certificate of Need for the Vanderbilt University Medical Center to

develop a hospital that will serve the present and future health needs of our growing community of

Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee. Our community today is the 5th largest community in

Tennessee and within approximately five (5) years will have a population exceeding that of Chattanooga,

Tennessee in Hamilton County. The projection for growth of Rutherford County in future years is that it

will become larger than Knoxville, Tennessee of Knox County making it the third largest community in

the State .

Recognizing the significant number of patients coming to the Vanderbilt Medical Center from Rutherford

County today and the need to improve accessibility to the hospital for their patients, Vanderbilt Medical

Center invested in land for a possible hospital site located at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and

S.R. 840 in Rutherford County. In addition to the site that Vanderbilt Medical Center owns they are

prepared to invest over One Hundred Thirty Four Million ($134,000,000) Dollars in the community for

their present and future patients.

(615) 893-8877 • Fax (615) 893-8898 • Email: [email protected]

The facility will consist of approximately 153,000 square feet and will include plans for diagnostic and

therapeutic cardiac catheterization services along with neonatal intensive care services. There will be

eight (8) observation beds along with forty eight (48) licensed acute care beds. This will be a full service

hospital with acute care for the Rutherford County community.

As rapidly as this area and our community is growing the need for the facility described herein will be

needed in a very short few years from now. Thank you for your help in working to fulfill this very

important need for our Rutherford County community.

Sincerely,

a_:cJ~ Thomas E. Smith

Past Chairman: Rutherford County Industrial Development Board

Residents

~ May 20, 2020


Ernest G. Burgess 7097 Franklin Road

Murfreesboro, TN 37128


Re: Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital - 56 Bed Hospital

Dear Mr. Grant:

I am writing this letter in support for the Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital Certificate of Need Application. As a life-time resident of Rutherford County, I am very much aware of the tremendous population growth in our county. Rutherford County continues to be one of Tennessee's and the nation's fastest growing counties. Just during my tenure of twelve years as County Mayor, which ended on September 1, 2018, our county grew by more than 100,000, and now our population is near 340,000.

With this growth there is an increasing need for medical services, both in scope and service levels. For many years now, several physicians affiliated with Vanderbilt University Medical Center have been practicing here. Specifically, for more than fifteen years, Dr. Ravinder Manda has been my cardiologist. With his support and diagnosis, he successfully coordinated with Vanderbilt in the placement of a stent in my heart at the Nashville hospital.

In addition to the physician affiliations, Vanderbilt opened in December of 2019 a Children's Clinic and Surgery Center in Murfreesboro. And now, in anticipation of building a 56 bed full service acute care hospital here, Vanderbilt has purchased land at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and S. R. 840. Since I live only about two miles from this location, I can personally attest that this is one of our fastest growing areas of the county.

We know that Vanderbilt University Medical Center is now serving a significant number of patients from Rutherford County at its main campus. This project will greatly improve access to care for these patients in this growing community. The provision of diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization services, along with neonatal intensive care services, will be important additions to the expanding needed medical services here.

Page 2

I appreciate very much the opportunity to express my support for the approval of this important request by Vanderbilt, and I very much look forward to the construction and implementation of this advancement of much needed medical care in our county.

Sincerely,

Nick & Vicki Lewis 1474 Avellino Circle, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130 615-585-9302 [email protected]

6/11 /202020

Mark Scanlan, JD

Senior Director, Office of State Government and Community Affairs

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

2147 Belcourt Ave.

Nashville, TN 37212

Dear Mr. Scalan,

We live in Murfreesboro, TN, and we're writing in support of Vanderbilt University Medical

Center constructing a new full -service hospital in our community.

Since moving to Murfreesboro in 2002, we've seen the community grow tremendously , and the

local hospital has grown along with it. Unfortunately, the primary Rutherford County hospital

(St. Thomas Rutherford) is often too crowded and resource constrained to provide quality care.

We experienced this directly in both 2017 and 2018 when our parents were hospitalized for

extended periods of time. While the excellent medical professionals at St. Thomas Rutherford

did their best to provide care, it was clear that they were overburdened with patients. As a

result, we experienced long delays in pain management, response times to care requests , and

regular room wellness visits .

We believe that Rutherford County and surrounding communities without high quality hospitals

deserve more options when choosing where to send their loved ones for medical care.

Vanderbilt has a strong reputation for quality, and they provide more comprehensive women's

health services than St. Thomas Rutherford. As the community continues to grow and diversify,

Vanderbilt provides a recognized brand and standard of care that will make Murfreesboro and

Rutherford County more attractive for businesses and prospective residents from other areas of

the country.

Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions.

Sincerely,


Re: Application for Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro

Dear Mr. Grant:

Murfreesboro and Rutherford County have been my family's home for decades. I am amazed and delighted to see the city and county growing so rapidly. It is clear we need increased services, including another hospital, given and size now and the expected growth in the immediate future. Our population will exceed 400,000 in the next 8 years. We need more than one hospital.

We have been grateful for the increased facilities that Vanderbilt has built in our community. At first there was some concern about the addition of the children's facility but now everyone loves it and it is well accepted. I believe that will be true of this new hospital as well. My family is grateful to have access to Vanderbilt's services.

Access to Vanderbilt's unique services in Murfreesboro will for many local residents avoid the need to drive to Nashville that has become near impossible to negotiate reasonably much of the time. Vanderbilt already serves a significant number of patients from the Rutherford County area at their main hospital, This project will greatly improve access to care for these patients. The hospital will undoubtedly facilitate access to Vanderbilt's nationally recognized services and programs for some who still need to go to Nash ville.

The proposed hospital will increase patient choice and improve access in the community. A Vanderbilt hospital in Murfreesboro will unquestionably contribute to our health and economic well-being.

Thank you for allowing me to convey support for the Vanderbilt Hospital proposal and I hope the Agency will also support the proposal as well.

Sincerely,?{~ J;)

Kitty Murfree

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Mr. Logan Grant Executive Director Health Services and Development Agency

502 Deaderick Street 9th Floor

Andrew Jackson State Office Building Nashville, TN 37243-0200

Re: Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital- 56 bed hospital

Dear Mr. Grant:

I write this letter in support of the CON application for Vanderbilt University Medical Center's request to establish a fifty-six bed hospital in Murfreesboro, TN.

I am a retired seventy five year old banker with fifty one years of service in my

profession. My wife and I have lived in Murfreesboro, TN since 1973. Our relationship with Vanderbilt University Medical Center began in 1989 when my

wife was first diagnosed with advanced melanoma at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center from which she has since recovered. I became a patient of VUMC

in 1991 and continue my relationship today with all my medical providers being connected with VUMC.

It is no secret the rapid growth of Rutherford County has attracted a thriving

medical community of excellent health providers. It is also apparent that, with this growth, many VUMC patients must travel to Davidson County to access care from their Vanderbilt providers since VUMC does not have hospital capacity in

Rutherford County for their nationally-recognized services and programs.

In addition to providing better access to care for the many VUMC patients from

Rutherford County, this $134 million, 153,000+ square foot full service hospital will be a major investment in our community. The additional medical personnel and ancillary services will add to the quality of life for our community.

In conclusion, as a VUMC patient and as a long-time resident and professional in our community, I would like to add my personal appreciation for the advanced medical and professional care being provided to Rutherford County by our growing medical community. The addition of this new proposed facility by VUMC will only add to that care. I am particularly appreciative of the ability to have all of my medical needs coordinated under one facility connected via the advanced medical records program provided by VUMC. This proposed new facility will complete my "circle of medical access" with one provider.

2410 Riverview Drive Murfreesboro, TN 37129

M ATT B. M URFREE Ill

M . B. M URFREE IV

THEODORE W. G OODMAN


L AW OFFICES

MURFREE & MURFREE, PLLC

A TTORNEYS A T LAw

805 S. CHURCH STREET, SUITE 2 1

M URFREESBORO, T ENNESSEE 37 130

June 19, 2020

HeaJth Services and Development Agency 502 Deaderick Street, 9 th Floor Andrew Jackson State Office Bui lding Nashville, TN 37243-0200

I

Re: Application for Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro

Dear Mr. Grant:

T ELEPHONE: 6 15-867-0835

FAX: 6 15-867-8729

I have lived in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County 1ny whole life. Murfreesboro 1'ennessee is named for an ancestor of mine and I am the 6th generation of Murfree's to live in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. During n1y life the population of Murfreesboro has almost quadrupled. It is clear we need increased health related services including another hospital as I see no stop to our explosive growth in the immediate future. Our population will exceed 400,000 in the next 8 years. We need more than one hospital and I would very much like that hospital to be a Vanderbilt Hospital.

I am grateful for the increased facilities that Vanderbilt has built in my community. At first there was some concern about the addition of the children's facility but now everyone loves it and it is well accepted. I believe that will be true of this new hospital as well. My family is grateful to have access to Vanderbilt's services.

Access to Vanderbilt's unique services in Murfreesboro will for many local residents avoid the need to drive to Nashville that has become near impossible to negotiate reasonably much of the tin1e. Vanderbilt already serves a significant number of patients from the Rutherford County area at their 1nain hospital. This project will greatly improve access to care for these patients. The hospital will undoubtedly facilitate access to Vanderbilt's nationally recognized services and programs for so1ne who still need to go to Nashville.

The proposed hospital will increase patient choice and improve access in the community. A Vanderbilt hospital in Murfreesboro will unquestionably contribute to our health and economic well-being.

Thank you for allowing 1ne to convey support for the Vanderbilt Hospital proposed and I hope the Agency will also support the proposal as well. Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Bricke Murfre

Mr. Logan Grant Executive Director Health Services and Development Agency 502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor Andrew Jackson State Office Building Nashville, TN 37243-0200 Re: Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital • 56 bed hospital

Dear Mr. Grant: Thank you for the opportunity to express support for the Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital proposal. This is an exciting time for the Rutherford County community, as well as, the surrounding counties. The opportunity to have local services available, that are nationally recognized and on the forefront of health care, that can greatly impact the access to excellent quality care, is certainly welcoming to our area

Rutherford County is conveniently localed in the epicenter of the state, and with its ease of access to the national interstate system, it boasts as having arteries that reach out to a bulk of the US population. As Tennessee C<lntinues to gro,v, having this Vanderbilt Medical Center located in Rutherford County ,viii certainly add to the convenience of reaching advanced health care in a timely manner. The seven surrounding counties of Rutherford, plus several others that are ,vilhin close proximity, would be able to take adyantage of this high-quality medical attention, while staying

closer to their home.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has been a cornerstone of excellent health care and a wealth of knowledge in cutting edge advancements, for the wellbeing of the ,vonderful people of Tennessee. This ongoing legacy of great care would certainly be welcomed in our area. Most everyone who lives in this area, has been touched by the care delivered by Vanderbilt Medical Center, whether directly or through family and friends. And, that available care, is a comfort to

kno,v is nearby, if ever sickness or tragedy strikes.

This endeavor is greatly embraced and proudly supported. Res submitted,

-«:::::;:;;;..,.,~~~~~~~~~~~ i

Essamfathy Chairman, Board of Trustees.

2605 Veals Road 615-890-1551 Murfreesboro, TN

www.icmtn.org 37127

I

\

17 June, 2020 676 Cottonfield Lane Murfreesboro, TN. 38128



Dear Mr. Grant:

I respectfully request that you use your good offices to facilitate the construction of a Vanderbilt facility in Rutherford County.

For me, travel to the Vanderbilt facilities in Nashville has become hazardous due to the traffic situation between Murfreesboro and Nashville. It is not going to get better. The Murfreesboro area is one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. The traffic backups will get worse. This means that patients like me must plan on additional time to make an appointment.

I think that it would probably be a good business decision for Vanderbilt to expand onto Rutherford County. The customer base is growing due to new arrivals and new senior living facilities. The infrastructure is in place.

The current situation forces me, and others, to choose between travel time and the quality of medical care. I've been Dr. Manda's patient for about fifteen years. Consequently, I have had the benefit of his partners particularly Ors. Kolli and Estrada. In addition, I have been referred to Vanderbilt hospital Ors. Richardson for stents, Dr. Mendez for cardiac observation and to Dr. Montgomery for pacemaker adjustments.

Consequently, I've had a very good run due to Vanderbilt care.

I'll be 78 this July. I have survived a small stroke and a heart attack (I had an engineering job at Arnold Air Force Base). I have held my grandson and have gone back to Colorado to see my old fishing holes. Life does not get much better. My thanks to Vandy!

Further, life would be a lot easier for folks like me to get Vanderbilt care without having to fight the traffic on 1-24 and within Nashville.

I would appreciate it if you and your organization could put in a good word for Vanderbilt to expand into Rutherford County.

Sincerely,

KHA N DAKER ABDUL AHAD ,M . D.


907 Knight Circle Murfreesboro, TN 37129

(615) 424-9420 [email protected]

- ------------

I

Re: Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital-56 bed hospital

Date: May 2, 2020

Dear Mr. Grant:

As a Physician residing in the city of Murfreesboro for 28 years, I have seen this sleepy University town of 45 thousand populations become the fastest growing major city in the state of Tennessee with a current population of over 330,000. Also it was voted as the 19th most livable city in our nation. Thus it is no surprise that it has become a magnet for the retirement community along with the business and professional people. The healthcare industry has responded appropriately to the ever expanding healthcare needs of our citizens. The proposed 52 bed hospital by Vanderbilt will fulfill a much needed service.

I have worked closely with the medical community of Vanderbilt as a staff physician at the VA Hospital at Murfreesboro campus. The nationally recognized services provided by the dedicated medical personnel of Vanderbilt are what citizens of Murfreesboro deserve. This would tremendously improve the access to healthcare of many of the patients that currently have to travel to Nashville for specialty services. I would love to see the proposed hospital built here as soon as possible.

Sincerely

K. A. Ahad, M.D Staff Ophthalmologist Tennessee School For the Blind 115 Stewart Ferry Pike Nashville, TN 37214

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State and Local Government Officials · Executive Director Office: (615) 849-2629 Fax (615) 849-2679 ... One of my responsibilities as County Mayor is to promote the economic well-being