RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Rutherford County Commissioners recently passed a resolution showing their support for three medical organizations working together to expand emergency care access for area residents. Commissioner Phil Dodd, Chairman of the Health & Education Committee, introduced the resolution during Thursday night’s commission meeting...
On the southern side of Murfreesboro, HCA TriStar Health is planning to build a freestanding emergency room at the intersection of South Church Street and Warrior Drive. County leaders say this new facility will provide life-saving care to a growing part of the community.... Again, the facility will be under StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna.
Meanwhile, in north Rutherford County, Ascension Saint Thomas is partnering with Murfreesboro Medical Clinic to build another freestanding emergency department to better serve residents in Lascassas and surrounding areas...
The resolution emphasizes the importance of expanded treatment access and highlights the unusual cooperation between competing providers. However, in this case, the organizations are united in their goal of improving care for underserved populations and strengthening preparedness for future public health challenges...
The commissioners’ support reflects a broader vision of collaboration in the healthcare sector. Once completed, the two new emergency facilities will give residents both north and south of Murfreesboro closer access to critical services...
Under Tennessee law, the Health Services and Development Agency (HSDA) must still approve the projects through its Certificate of Need (CON) process. Freestanding Emergency Departments (FSEDs) must meet state requirements, including demonstrating a clear community need, providing 24/7 emergency care with on-site lab, imaging, and pharmacy services, and maintaining direct connections to their parent hospitals. The state also requires facilities to show their ability to serve underserved populations and prioritize staffing, quality, and community education.
