Quinn pauses hospital tax decisions

A spokesman for the Illinois Hospital Association says the group is looking forward to working with Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration and other parties on a legislative solution on tax exemptions for nonprofit hospitals.

Quinn is directing state officials to pause their tougher rulings of which nonprofit hospitals get property tax exemptions.

Last month, the Illinois Department of Revenue denied tax exemptions to three hospitals. That signaled the state would get tough on hospitals it believes are operating more like businesses than charities.

Quinn’s move is intended to create breathing room during talks on new legislation that would clearly define how much charity care hospitals need to do to qualify for tax-exempt status.

Quinn wants recommendations on legislation by March 1.

About 15 hospitals are awaiting decisions on their tax-exempt status.