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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Forms S-8 Nos. 33-43290, 33-65380, 33-65382 and 33- 80433) pertaining to the
Health Management Associates, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan and various employee
and directors stock option plans of Health Management Associates, Inc.,
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-48820) and related Prospectus of Health
Management Associates, Inc. for the registration of $488,750,000 Convertible
Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2020 and 14,448,574 shares of its common
stock and Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-41953) and related Prospectus
of our report dated October 20, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Health Management Associates, Inc. included in the
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended September 30, 2000.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Tampa, Florida
December 18, 2000
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