The state Ethics Board ruled Friday that Jefferson Parish Council member Mark Spears Jr. may vote on a lease deal involving West Jefferson Medical Center, even though his wife is employed there. Spears said he sought the advisory opinion out of an abundance of caution. The decision upholds an Ethics Administration staff opinion that no conflict of interest exists...
The state Ethics Board ruled Friday that Jefferson Parish Council member Mark Spears Jr. may vote on a lease deal involving West Jefferson Medical Center, even though his wife is employed there. Spears said he sought the advisory opinion out of an abundance of caution.
The decision upholds an Ethics Administration staff opinion that no conflict of interest exists because neither the councilman nor Dr. Rachel Spears holds a significant economic interest in any entity pursuing a lease.
Hospital officials are considering proposals from Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA, Louisiana Children's Medical Center and Ochsner Health System to lease West Jefferson Medical Center and East Jefferson General Hospital. The Parish Council has final say over any deal, but a vote has not been scheduled.