Air Force could have more say in Wright-Patterson hospital’s future under bill

An Ohio congressman has added an amendment to a defense policy bill that would give military services like the Air Force more of a say in the potential closure or cuts in services at medical facilities, a spokesman says.

U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Troy, added the amendment as part of the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House on Thursday in a 351-66 vote.

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The amendment would require a description of the criteria used to close any military hospital or cut services, and allow input from the military branch.

The Defense Health Agency evaluates health services throughout the Department of Defense, including Wright-Patterson Medical Center, which in prior years was under pressure to increase the use of inpatient beds.

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