The governing board of East Jefferson General Hospital will meet tonight, but the most important issue they are currently facing will likely not be open to the public.
The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate reports the 10-member board will be involved in details and discussion over the possible sale or long-term lease with LCMC Health.
LCMC already has a long-term lease and operating plan in place for EJGH's contemporary on the West Bank.
EJGH, though a leading provider of hospital care, has struggled in the face of competition from larger hospital combines such as Ochsner and LCMC.
EJGH has been looking for a buyer or partner to take over the hospital it into profitability and potentially take it off the hands of Jefferson Parish.
LCMC, which operates University Medical Center, Children's Hospital and Touro Infirmary is in confidential negotiations with the Parish going back as far as April.
In the past, it appeared a sale was in the works. However, a sale would require a vote of the people and need approval from the State Bond Commission.
If a sale is green lighted, the Parish Council would have until May 9th to place the matter on the ballot.
Meanwhile, the deadline for submitting a proposition to the Secretary of State is March 16.
EJGH has been up for sale or lease since 2013 when it was offered as a package deal with West Jefferson Medical Center.
LCMC leased the facility for 45-years and pump $500-million into improving the hospital.