WYNNE, Ark. (AP) — A hospital in Cross County where patients have built more than $1 million per year in bad debt says it now demands up-front payment for non-emergency care.

Folks who don’t owe money to the hospital in Wynne will be treated as always. But CrossRidge Community Hospital administrator Gary Sparks says the facility has already begun collecting in advance from people with delinquent bills. He says no one has complained about the policy, so far.

Sparks says the hospital will follow the law and treat all emergency patients, regardless of ability to pay. Spark...