Bill Gracey, President of LifePoint Hospitals' National Division, Named Recipient of Thomas Barker Preceptor Award.

Business Editors, Health & Medical Writers

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BW HealthWire)--May 28, 2002

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. (Nasdaq/NM:LPNT) today announced that William M. Gracey, president of LifePoint Hospital's National Division, has been named the recipient of the Thomas Barker Preceptor Award.

The recipient of the Thomas Barker Preceptor Award is chosen by students in their respective graduating classes from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Medical College of Virginia campus. This year, five preceptors were nominated for the Thomas Barker Preceptor Award, named in honor of Dr. Thomas Barker, Dean Emeritus of the VCU School of Allied Health Professions. Mr. Gracey was selected by the MHA Class of 2002 and presented this honor during graduation ceremonies held on May 17, 2002.

Commenting on Mr. Gracey's award, Kenneth C. Donahey, chairman and chief executive officer of LifePoint Hospitals, said, "We were not surprised to learn that Bill had been singled out for his contribution as a preceptor to a graduating student of Virginia Commonwealth University. The same style and effectiveness that are being recognized by this award are obvious in so many ways, on a day-to-day basis, as he performs his responsibilities as president of our National Division. We are, however, very pleased that he is being given the recognition that he so justly deserves. We join the MHA Class of 2002 in congratulating Bill for his many accomplishments and thanking him for the contributions he makes to the staff and patients of the hospitals in his division."

Mr. Gracey first joined HCA in 1983 and has served in various positions of increasing responsibility. Mr. Gracey became a division president for LifePoint with the spin-off from HCA in May 1999.

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. operates 23 hospitals in non-urban areas. In most cases, the LifePoint facility is the only hospital in its community. LifePoint's non-urban operating strategy offers continued operational improvement by focusing on its five core values: delivering high quality patient care, supporting physicians, creating excellent workplaces for its employees, providing community value, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, LifePoint Hospitals is affiliated with over 7,000 employees.

The above statements include forward-looking statements based on current management expectations. Numerous factors exist which may cause results to differ from these expectations. Many of the factors that will determine the Company's future results are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to the Company, including without limitation, (i) possible changes in reimbursement to healthcare providers and insurers that may reduce payments; (ii) its ability to attract and retain qualified management and personnel, including physicians, nurses and clinical support personnel; (iii) the geographic concentration of the Company's operations; (iv) risks associated with the Company's acquisition and disposition strategies; (v) the management of healthcare risks as a result of the delivery of patient care; (vi) the regulated nature of the healthcare industry; (vii) the highly competitive nature of the healthcare business; (viii) the potential adverse impact of government investigations and litigation involving the business practices of HCA (to the extent relating to periods prior to the Company's formation); (ix) fluctuations in the market value of the Company's common stock; and (x) those risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, the Company's actual results may differ materially. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

All references to "Company" and "LifePoint" as used throughout this document refer to LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. and its affiliates.