LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPNT) today announced the Internet availability of proxy materials for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the new Notice and Access rule of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The proxy materials for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (including the 2007 Annual Report to Stockholders) are now available on the “Corporate Governance” section of the Company’s website at www.lifepointhospitals.com. By following the new Notice and Access rule and making the proxy materials available on the Internet, LifePoint is able to reduce the cost of producing and delivering printed materials.

LifePoint’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. local time at 511 Union Street, Suite 2700, Nashville, Tennessee. At the annual meeting, stockholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2008, may vote on the election of three directors to LifePoint’s Board of Directors, the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as LifePoint’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2008 and amendments to LifePoint’s Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan and Management Stock Purchase Plan.

LifePoint’s 2007 annual report on Form 10-K and proxy statement have been filed with the SEC and may be viewed on the “Investor Relations – SEC Filings” section of the Company’s website at www.lifepointhospitals.com. LifePoint’s stockholders may obtain hard copies of the proxy materials free of charge by following the instructions provided in the "Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials."

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. is a leading hospital company focused on providing healthcare services in non-urban communities in 18 states. Of the Company’s 49 hospitals, 44 are in communities where LifePoint Hospitals is the sole community hospital provider. LifePoint Hospitals’ non-urban operating strategy offers continued operational improvement by focusing on its five core values: delivering compassionate, high quality patient care; supporting physicians; creating an outstanding environment for employees; providing unmatched community value; and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, LifePoint Hospitals is affiliated with approximately 21,000 employees. More information about LifePoint Hospitals can be found on its website, www.lifepointhospitals.com.

All references to “LifePoint Hospitals” and “LifePoint” as used throughout this release refer to LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.
David M. Dill, 615-372-8512
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer