Health Management Associates (NYSE: HMA) is returning to its roots, in a way. True to its name, the company has carved out a new division to provide what it terms "managerial and operational support offerings" to facilities not currently on its client list.

The reason, said the firm's Executive Vice President of Development, Pete Lawson, is that "we have found that many community hospitals may not be at the point where they are looking for a partner to buy, lease, or JV their hospital, but are instead looking for an expert to provide operational and managerial support."

Health Management Associates was established to provide management for hospitals, but eventually shifted toward ownership and operation of such facilities.