Changes in Catholic Identity at Mayo Clinic Rochester: Isolated Event or Sign of the Times?

Abstract

In this issue of HEC Forum, a history of the Catholic Identity of Saint Marys Hospital of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota is outlined (Swetz et al. 2013). In this article, a multidisciplinary team of employees from Mayo Clinic—Saint Marys Hospital discuss the history of the founding of Saint Marys Hospital, as well as the evolution of sponsorship over time. In 1986, Saint Marys Hospital changed from a sponsorship by governance to a model of sponsorship by influence, in response to changing Medicare regulations and funding sources and care provisions. In today’s health care environment, having two licensed hospitals and two distinct legal entities operating as ‘‘a single integrated hospital practice’’ has become increasing problematic in terms of reporting, quality, and certification purposes. Due to the concerns regarding an incomplete or inaccurate perception of the integrated practice, the Mayo Clinic Board of Directors approached the Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes Board in late 2012 to discuss these ongoing challenges. The decision was made that the ongoing relationship with Saint Marys Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, and the Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes would not be sustainable as it has been. It was with this in mind that a joint announcement was made on March 25, 2013 that the Rochester Methodist Hospital and Saint Marys Hospital would merge into one single hospital, Mayo Clinic Hospital—Rochester, effective January 1, 2014. The hope is that this ‘‘will ensure that regulatory