Special treatment. The CHA says it's leading the fight for all not-for-profit hospitals to receive fair compensation for being nation's healthcare safety net.

Some observers may say the timing was preordained. Against the backdrop of Tenet Healthcare Corp.'s mounting woes, the Catholic Health Association, headed by the Rev. Michael Place (left), is expected this week to release a report arguing that Roman Catholic hospitals deserve special and distinct financial concessions from the federal government because of the role they play.