NASHVILLE (AP) - The public hospital in Nashville might stop all hospitalizations and specialize on outpatient and clinical services.

The Tennessean (http://bit.ly/Rt4ayI ) reported the option was one of four presented to the Nashville General Hospital board by a consultant on Tuesday.

Metro General draws on Meharry Medical College for staffing.

Meharry President Dr. Wayne J. Riley told the newspaper the college realizes the current business model isn't working, but cautioned against changes that would degrade Meharry's mission of training new doctors for under-served areas.

Hospital Interim CEO Jason E. Boyd said General collects 20 cents of every dollar it bills. General admits only 11 patients on an average day and patients increasingly can't pay for their care.

The hospital board plans to hold public meetings about options. Dates weren't announced.