<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.1

                            Distribution Agreement

                           Dated as of May 11, 1999

                                 By and Among

                     Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation,

                           LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.

                                      and

                             Triad Hospitals, Inc.
<PAGE>

                               Table of Contents
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        Page
                                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                                     <C>
Article I         Definitions........................................................................     1

  Section 1.1.         Definitions...................................................................     1

Article II        Pre-Distribution Transactions; Certain Covenants...................................    10

  Section 2.1.         Restructuring Transactions....................................................    10
  Section 2.2.         Consents......................................................................    10
  Section 2.3.         Transfer and Assignment of Certain Licenses and Permits.......................    11
  Section 2.4.         Transfer and Assignment of Certain Business Agreements........................    11
  Section 2.5.         Transfers Not Effected Prior to the Distribution Date; Transfers Deemed
                       Effective as of the Distribution Date.........................................    12
  Section 2.6.         Securities Matters............................................................    13
  Section 2.7.         Conduct Prior to the Distribution Date........................................    13
  Section 2.8.         Resignations..................................................................    13
  Section 2.9.         Election of Officers..........................................................    14
  Section 2.10         Other Agreements..............................................................    14

Article III       The Distribution...................................................................    14

  Section 3.1.         Conditions Precedent to the Distribution......................................    14
  Section 3.2.         No Constraint.................................................................    15
  Section 3.3.         The Distribution..............................................................    16
  Section 3.4.         Fractional Shares.............................................................    16

Article IV        Covenants..........................................................................    17

  Section 4.1.         Further Assurances............................................................    17
  Section 4.2.         Certain Intellectual Property Matters.........................................    17
  Section 4.3.         Assumption and Satisfaction of Liabilities....................................    18
  Section 4.4.         Removal of Certain Guarantees.................................................    18
  Section 4.5.         No Representations or Warranties; Consents....................................    19
  Section 4.6.         Limitation on Solicitation of Employees.......................................    21
  Section 4.7.         LifePoint Registration Statement..............................................    21
  Section 4.8.         Triad Registration Statement..................................................    23
  Section 4.9.         Certain Real Estate Matters...................................................    24
 Section 4.10.         Personal Property.............................................................    25

Article V         Indemnification....................................................................    26

  Section 5.1.         Indemnification by Columbia/HCA...............................................    26
  Section 5.2.         Indemnification by LifePoint..................................................    27
  Section 5.3.         Indemnification by Triad......................................................    27
  Section 5.4.         Limitations on Indemnification Obligations....................................    28
  Section 5.5.         Procedures Regarding Indemnification..........................................    29
  Section 5.6.         Indemnification Payments......................................................    31
  Section 5.7.         Cooperation of the Parties with Respect to Actions and Third Party Claims.....    31
  Section 5.8.         Contribution..................................................................    32
  Section 5.9.         Survival of Indemnities; Exclusive Remedy.....................................    33
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
Article VI        Ancillary Agreements.........................................................................  33

  Section 6.1.         Generally...............................................................................  33

Article VII       Accounting Matters...........................................................................  33

  Section 7.1.         Settlement of Intercompany Accounts.....................................................  33
  Section 7.2.         Allocation of Prepaid Items and Reserves................................................  34
  Section 7.3.         Financial Accounting Treatment of Assets Transferred and Liabilities Assumed............  34
  Section 7.4.         Other Accounting Matters................................................................  35

Article VIII      Indemnification and Other Matters Relating To Government Programs............................  35

  Section 8.1.         Indemnification and Other Matters Relating to Pre-Distribution Period Cost Reports......  35
  Section 8.2.         Matters Relating to Post-Distribution Period Cost Reports...............................  38
  Section 8.3.         Cooperation on Reimbursement Matters....................................................  38
  Section 8.4.         Limitation..............................................................................  39

Article IX        Corporate Records and Information............................................................  39

  Section 9.1.         Provision, Transfer and Delivery of Applicable Corporate Records........................  39
  Section 9.2.         Access to Information...................................................................  40
  Section 9.3.         Confidentiality.........................................................................  40
  Section 9.4.         Litigation Cooperation..................................................................  41
  Section 9.5.         Retention of Records....................................................................  42
  Section 9.6.         Privileged Matters......................................................................  42
  Section 9.7.         Certain Matters.........................................................................  44

Article X         Interest On Payments.........................................................................  45

  Section 10.1.        Interest on Payments....................................................................  45

Article XI        Miscellaneous................................................................................  45

  Section 11.1.        Allocation of Costs and Expenses........................................................  45
  Section 11.2.        Termination; Amendment..................................................................  46
  Section 11.3.        Disputes................................................................................  46
  Section 11.4.        Consent to Jurisdiction.................................................................  47
  Section 11.5.        Waiver of Jury Trial....................................................................  47
  Section 11.6.        Notices.................................................................................  48
  Section 11.7.        Entire Agreement........................................................................  49
  Section 11.8.        Assignment..............................................................................  50
  Section 11.9.        Survival of Agreements and Covenants....................................................  50
  Section 11.10.       No Third Party Beneficiaries............................................................  50
  Section 11.11.       Waiver..................................................................................  50
  Section 11.12.       Severability............................................................................  50
  Section 11.13.       Governing Law...........................................................................  50
  Section 11.14.       Counterparts............................................................................  51
  Section 11.15.       Headings................................................................................  51
</TABLE>
                                     -ii-
<PAGE>

                            Distribution Agreement


          Distribution Agreement (this "Agreement") dated as of May 11, 1999 by
and among Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together
with its successors and permitted assigns, "Columbia/HCA"), LifePoint Hospitals,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its successors and permitted
assigns, "LifePoint"), and Triad Hospitals, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(together with its successors and permitted assigns, "Triad").

                             W i t n e s s e t h:
                             --- - - - - - - - -

          Whereas, the Board of Directors of Columbia/HCA has determined that it
is in the best interests of Columbia/HCA and its stockholders (i) to separate
certain of the businesses of Columbia/HCA and its Subsidiaries from the other
businesses conducted by Columbia/HCA and its Subsidiaries by transferring
certain businesses to each of LifePoint and Triad, (ii) to distribute on a pro
rata basis to the holders of Columbia/HCA Common Stock (as hereinafter defined)
all of the outstanding shares of LifePoint Common Stock (as hereinafter defined)
and Triad Common Stock (as hereinafter defined) owned by Columbia/HCA (which, as
of the Distribution Date (as hereinafter defined), will constitute 100% of the
issued and outstanding shares of LifePoint Common Stock and Triad Common Stock),
and (iii) to effect the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

          Whereas, the parties have determined that it is necessary and
desirable to set forth in this Agreement the principal corporate transactions
required to effect the Distribution (as hereinafter defined) and to set forth
other agreements that will govern certain other matters following such
Distribution;

          Now, Therefore, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements and covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree
as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

          Section 1.1.  Definitions. As used herein, the following terms have
                        -----------
the following meanings:

          "Action" means any action, suit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or
investigation by or before any Governmental Authority or arbitration tribunal,
whether at law or in equity.

          "Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified person, any person that
directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control
with the

                                      -1-
<PAGE>

specified person. A person shall be deemed to control another person if such
first person has the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
and policies of such other person, whether through ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise.

          "Ancillary Agreements" means all of the agreements identified on

Exhibit A hereto.
---------

          "Assets" means all properties, rights, contracts, leases and claims,
of every kind and description, wherever located, whether tangible or intangible,
and whether real, personal or mixed.

          "Benefits Agreement" means the Benefits and Employment Matters
Agreement by and among Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad, entered into on or
before the Distribution Date, as amended from time to time.

          "Books and Records" means all books, records, manuals, agreements and
other materials (in any form or medium), including, without limitation, all
mortgages, licenses, indentures, contracts, financial data, customer lists,
marketing materials and studies, advertising materials, price lists,
correspondence, distribution lists, supplier lists, production data, sales and
promotional materials and records, purchasing materials and records, personnel
records, manufacturing and quality control records and procedures, blue prints,
research and development files, records, data and laboratory books, account
records, sales order files, litigation files, computer files, microfiche, tape
recordings, photographs, patient and medical records, and Medicare cost report
files and workpapers.

          "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          "Columbia/HCA Assets" means the Assets of Columbia/HCA and its
Subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Restructuring Transactions and the
Distribution.  Any positive recovery which results from resolution of a
proceeding or claim which is an Indemnified Matter shall be deemed to be a
Columbia/HCA Asset.

          "Columbia/HCA Common Stock" means the outstanding shares of common
stock, $0.01 par value per share, and nonvoting common stock, $0.01 par value
per share, of Columbia/HCA.

          "Columbia/HCA Group" means Columbia/HCA and its Subsidiaries, after
giving effect to the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution.

          "Columbia/HCA Group Business" means the business now or formerly
conducted by Columbia/HCA and its present and former Subsidiaries, but excluding
(i) the LifePoint Group Business and (ii) the Triad Group Business.

          "Columbia/HCA Group Records" is defined in Section 9.1(a) below.
                                                     --------------

          "Columbia/HCA Indemnitees" means (i) Columbia/HCA and, after giving
effect to the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, each of its
Affiliates, and (ii) each of the directors, officers, employees and agents of
the entities described in the

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

immediately preceding clause (i) and each of the heirs, executors, successors
and assigns of any of such directors, officers, employees and agents.

          "Columbia/HCA Liabilities" means (i)  Liabilities, whether arising
before, on or after the Distribution Date, incurred in connection with the
conduct or operation of the Columbia/HCA Group Business, or ownership or use of
the Columbia/HCA Assets; (ii) Liabilities arising from any claim against
LifePoint, Triad, or any of their Affiliates, which claim is based upon facts
and circumstances occurring prior to the Distribution Date and is covered by an
insurance policy maintained by Columbia/HCA and listed on Exhibit H hereto,
                                                          ---------
without regard to deductible amounts, coinsurance amounts or policy limits, and
(iii) Liabilities arising from any worker's compensation claim against
LifePoint, Triad, or any of their Affiliates if the injury or condition giving
rise to the claim was incurred on or before the Distribution Date.

          "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

          "Compliance Agreement" means an agreement setting forth the agreement
of the party executing such agreement to comply with applicable Laws and to take
specified actions intended to permit such compliance to be monitored.

          "Consents" is defined in Section 2.2 below.
                                   -----------

          "Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments" shall mean, collectively,
the various agreements, instruments and other documents heretofore entered into
and to be entered into to effect the transfer of Assets and the assumption of
Liabilities in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, or otherwise arising
out of or relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, which
shall be in such form as the parties agree.

          "Cost Reports" is defined in Section 8.1(a) below.
                                       --------------

          "Disputes" is defined in Section 11.3(a) below.
                                   ---------------

          "Distribution" means the LifePoint Distribution and the Triad
Distribution, collectively.

          "Distribution Agent" means National City Bank, in its capacity as
distribution agent.

          "Distribution Date" means the date on which the Distribution shall be
effective, as determined by the Board of Directors of Columbia/HCA.

          "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

          "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          "Excluded Hospital" is defined in Section 5.1(d) below.
                                            --------------

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

          "Exclusion Order" is defined in Section 5.1(d) below.
                                          --------------

          "Facilities" is defined in Section 8.1 below.
                                     -----------

          "Funded Debt" means indebtedness for money borrowed.

          "Government Investigations" is defined in Section 5.1 below.
                                                    -----------

          "Governmental Authority" means any federal, state, local, foreign or
international government, agency, bureau, board, commission, court, department,
official, or other regulatory, administrative or governmental authority.

          "Group" means any of the Columbia/HCA Group, the LifePoint Group or
the Triad Group, as the context requires.

          "HCFA" means the United States Health Care Financing Administration.

          "Indemnified Matters" is defined in Section 5.1 below.
                                              -----------

          "Indemnifying Party" is defined in Section 5.4(a) below.
                                             --------------

          "Indemnitee" is defined in Section 5.4(a) below.
                                     --------------

          "Information Statement" means the information statement to be sent in
connection with the Distribution to holders of record of Columbia/HCA Common
Stock at the close of business on the Record Date.

          "Insurance Allocation and Administration Agreement" means the
Insurance Allocation and Administration Agreement by and among Columbia/HCA,
LifePoint and Triad, entered into on or before the Distribution Date, as amended
from time to time.

          "Insurance Proceeds" means, with respect to any insured party, those
monies, net of any applicable premium adjustment, retrospectively-rated premium,
deductible, retention or cost of reserve paid or held by or for the benefit of
such insured party, which are either:  (i) received by an insured party from an
insurance carrier or (ii) paid by an insurance carrier on behalf of an insured
party.

          "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.

          "Law" means all laws, statutes and ordinances and all regulations,
rules and other pronouncements of Governmental Authorities having the effect of
law of the United States, any foreign country or any foreign or domestic state,
province, commonwealth, city, country, municipality, territory, protectorate,
possession or similar instrumentality or any Governmental Authority thereof.

          "Liabilities" means any and all claims, debts, liabilities and
obligations, absolute or contingent, matured or not matured, liquidated or
unliquidated, accrued or

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

unaccrued, known or unknown, whenever arising, including all costs and expenses
relating thereto, and including, without limitation, those debts, liabilities
and obligations arising under this Agreement, under any law, rule, regulation,
action, order, injunction or decree of any governmental entity or under any
award of any arbitrator of any kind, and those arising under any contract,
commitment or undertaking.

          "Liens" means any mortgages, pledges, liens, security interests,
easements, rights of way, restrictions, covenants, encumbrances, encroachments,
or charges of any kind.

          "LifePoint Assets" means all Assets reflected as Assets of LifePoint
on the LifePoint Balance Sheet and all other Assets that are determined by
Columbia/HCA in its sole discretion to be associated primarily or exclusively
with the LifePoint Group Business.

          "LifePoint Balance Sheet" means the most recent consolidated balance
sheet of LifePoint included in the LifePoint Form 10.

          "LifePoint By-laws" means the By-laws of LifePoint in the form
attached as Exhibit B hereto.
            ---------

          "LifePoint Certificate" means the certificate of incorporation of
LifePoint in the form attached as Exhibit C hereto.
                                  ---------

          "LifePoint Common Stock" means the outstanding shares of common stock,
$0.01 par value per share, of LifePoint.

          "LifePoint Distribution" means the distribution on the Distribution
Date of all outstanding shares of LifePoint Common Stock owned by Columbia/HCA
to the holders of Columbia/HCA Common Stock at the close of business on the
Record Date.

          "LifePoint Form 10" means the registration statement filed on Form 10
pursuant to the Exchange Act (File No. 0-29818), which was declared effective by
the Commission on April 27, 1999, as such registration statement was amended
through the effective date.

          "LifePoint Group" means LifePoint and its Subsidiaries, as constituted
upon completion of the Restructuring Transactions.

          "LifePoint Group Business" means the business conducted at the
hospitals and other healthcare facilities which constitute the operations of
LifePoint and its Subsidiaries as of the Distribution Date, as described in the
LifePoint Form 10, including the business conducted at such hospitals and other
healthcare facilities prior to the Distribution Date.

          "LifePoint Group Records" is defined in Section 9.1(b) below.
                                                  --------------

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

          "LifePoint Indemnitees" means (i) LifePoint and, after giving effect
to the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, each of its Affiliates,
and (ii) each of the directors, officers, employees and agents of the entities
described in the immediately preceding clause (i) and each of the heirs,
executors, successors and assigns of any of such directors, officers, employees
and agents.

          "LifePoint Liabilities" means (i) Liabilities of LifePoint or, after
giving effect to the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any of its
Subsidiaries, whether arising before, on or after the Distribution Date,
including all Liabilities incurred in connection with the conduct or operation
of any LifePoint Group Business, the ownership or use of any of the LifePoint
Assets, or the establishment or maintenance of, or contributions to, any
employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) for the benefit of
persons employed by any LifePoint Group Business, (ii) Liabilities arising in
connection with any transfer or attempted transfer of any Asset to the LifePoint
Group, including, without limitation, Liabilities arising in connection with the
failure to obtain any Consent or to comply with any requirement of Law, and
(iii) all Liabilities reflected as liabilities or obligations on the LifePoint
Balance Sheet; provided, however, that the following Liabilities are not
LifePoint Liabilities: (1) Liabilities arising from any claim based upon facts
and circumstances occurring prior to the Distribution Date and covered by an
insurance policy maintained by Columbia/HCA and listed on Exhibit D hereto,
without regard to deductible amounts, coinsurance amounts or policy limits, (2)
Liabilities arising from any worker's compensation claim if the injury or
condition giving rise to the claim was incurred on or before the Distribution
Date, and (3) Liabilities that are Columbia/HCA Liabilities or Triad
Liabilities.

          "LifePoint Option" means options to purchase shares of LifePoint
Common Stock granted to certain officers of Columbia/HCA on or prior to the
Distribution Date.

          "LifePoint Option Shares" means the shares of LifePoint Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of the LifePoint Option.

          "LifePoint Permitted Exceptions" means (1) Liens for taxes, water,
sewer and other service or use charges and fees, and other State, local or
municipal charges and assessments, not yet due and payable as of the
Distribution Date, (2) Liens for any indebtedness shown on the LifePoint Balance
Sheet and Liens for any contractual or other obligation to be retained by any of
the LifePoint Group following the Distribution Date, (3) standard printed
exceptions customarily set forth in ALTA title reports or title policies as in
use in the jurisdiction in which the real property is located, (4) equity, joint
venture or other similar interests of others identified in Exhibit E in any of
                                                           ---------
the hospitals and related medical facilities and professional office buildings
set forth on Exhibit E, (5) easements, encroachments, covenants, restrictions,
             ---------
rights of way, defects, irregularities or encumbrances on title which do not
materially impair the use of such real property for the purpose for which it is
used as of the Distribution Date, (6) zoning and other municipal ordinances
which are not violated in any material respect by existing improvements and the
present use made of the premises, (7) any other Liens or title defects or
irregularities

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

which do not, in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect
the LifePoint Group Business (taken as a whole), and (8) Liens identified on
Exhibit E.
---------

          "LifePoint Real Property" means the real property set forth on Exhibit
                                                                         -------
E, relating to the hospitals and related medical facilities and professional
-
office buildings of the LifePoint Group.

          "LifePoint Registration Statement" means a registration statement
under the Securities Act, on such form as may be appropriate thereunder, to
effect the registration of the LifePoint Option Shares and the resale thereof.

          "Listing" means the listing of the LifePoint Common Stock and the
Triad Common Stock on NASDAQ.

          "Losses" means, with respect to any matter for which a person is
entitled to indemnification pursuant to Article V hereof (including any
Indemnified Matter), any and all losses, liabilities, damages, settlements,
claims, fines, penalties, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees, but not including time spent by employees of such person) actually
incurred by such person arising from such matter, but excluding consequential
damages.

          "Marks" is defined in Section 4.2(a) below.
                                --------------

          "Monthly Statement" is defined in Section 8.1(f) below.
                                            --------------

          "NASDAQ" means the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotation System.

          "OIG" means the Office of Inspector General.

          "Post-Distribution Periods" is defined in Section 8.2(a) below.
                                                    --------------

          "Pre-Distribution Periods" is defined in Section 8.1(a) below.
                                                   --------------

          "Privilege" is defined in Section 9.6(a) below.
                                    --------------

          "Privileged Information" is defined in Section 9.6(c) below.
                                                 --------------

          "Reconciling Payment" is defined in Section 8.1(f) below.
                                              --------------

          "Record Date" means such date as is designated by Columbia/HCA's Board
of Directors as the record date for determining the stockholders of Columbia/HCA
entitled to receive the Distribution.

          "Restructuring Transactions" means (i) the series of transactions, the
form and sequence of which shall be directed by Columbia/HCA in its sole
discretion, undertaken for the purpose of (a) assigning, transferring and
conveying to LifePoint (or  to the appropriate member of the LifePoint Group)
the LifePoint Assets, (b) effecting the

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

assumption by LifePoint (or by the appropriate member of the LifePoint Group) of
the LifePoint Liabilities, (c) assigning, transferring and conveying to Triad
(or to the appropriate member of the Triad Group) the Triad Assets, and (d)
effecting the assumption by Triad (or by the appropriate member of the Triad
Group) of the Triad Liabilities, and shall also mean (ii) any transaction
undertaken at the direction or with the consent of Columbia/HCA for the purpose
of confirming the right, title and interest of Columbia/HCA to the Columbia/HCA
Assets and the responsibility of Columbia/HCA for the Columbia/HCA Liabilities.

          "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

          "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

          "Social Security Act" means the Social Security Act, as amended.

          "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any entity, (i) any corporation in
which such entity, directly or indirectly, owns or controls, at the time of
determination, at least a majority in interest of the outstanding voting stock
(having by the terms thereof voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect
a majority of the directors of such corporation, irrespective of whether or not
stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have
voting power by reason of the occurrence of a contingency); or (ii) any non-
corporate entity in which such entity either (a) directly or indirectly, at the
time of determination, has at least a majority ownership interest, or (b) at the
date of determination, is a general partner or an entity performing similar
functions (for example, manager of a limited liability company or a trustee of a
trust).

          "Tax" has the meaning set forth in the Tax Agreement.

          "Tax Agreement" means the Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement by
and among Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad, entered into on or before the
Distribution Date, as amended from time to time.

          "Third Party Claim" is defined in Section 5.5(a) below.
                                            --------------

          "Triad Assets" means all Assets reflected as Assets of Triad on the
Triad Balance Sheet and all other Assets that are determined by Columbia/HCA in
its sole discretion to be associated primarily or exclusively with the Triad
Group Business.

          "Triad Balance Sheet" means the most recent consolidated balance sheet
of Triad included in the Triad Form 10.

          "Triad By-laws" means the By-laws of Triad in the form attached as
Exhibit F hereto.
---------

          "Triad Certificate" means the certificate of incorporation of Triad in
the form attached as Exhibit G hereto.
                     ---------
                                      -8-
<PAGE>

          "Triad Common Stock" means the outstanding shares of common stock,
$0.01 par value per share, of Triad.

          "Triad Distribution" means the distribution on the Distribution Date
of all outstanding shares of Triad Common Stock owned by Columbia/HCA to the
holders of Columbia/HCA Common Stock at the close of business on the Record
Date.

          "Triad Form 10" means the registration statement filed on Form 10
pursuant to the Exchange Act (File No. 0-29816), which was declared effective by
the Commission on April 27, 1999, as such registration statement was amended
through the effective date.

          "Triad Group" means Triad and its Subsidiaries, as constituted upon
completion of the Restructuring Transactions.

          "Triad Group Business" means the business conducted at the hospitals
and other healthcare facilities which constitute the operations of Triad and its
Subsidiaries as of the Distribution Date, as described in the Triad Form 10,
including the business conducted at such hospitals and other healthcare
facilities prior to the Distribution Date.

          "Triad Group Records" is defined in Section 9.1(c) below.
                                              --------------

          "Triad Indemnitees" means (i) Triad and, after giving effect to the
Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, each of its Affiliates, and
(ii) each of the directors, officers, employees and agents of the entities
described in the immediately preceding clause (i) and each of the heirs,
executors, successors and assigns of any of such directors, officers, employees
and agents.

          "Triad Liabilities" means (i) Liabilities of Triad or, after giving
effect to the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any of its
Subsidiaries, whether arising before, on or after the Distribution Date,
including all Liabilities incurred in connection with the conduct or operation
of any Triad Group Business, the ownership or use of any of the Triad Assets, or
the establishment or maintenance of, or contributions to, any employee benefit
plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) for the benefit of persons employed
by any Triad Group Business, (ii) Liabilities arising in connection with any
transfer or attempted transfer of any Asset to the Triad Group, including,
without limitation, Liabilities arising in connection with the failure to obtain
any Consent or to comply with any requirement of Law, and (iii) all Liabilities
reflected as liabilities or obligations on the Triad Balance Sheet; provided,
however, that the following Liabilities are not Triad Liabilities:  (1)
Liabilities arising from any claim based upon facts and circumstances occurring
prior to the Distribution Date and covered by an insurance policy maintained by
Columbia/HCA and listed on Exhibit D hereto, without regard to deductible
                           ---------
amounts, coinsurance amounts or policy limits, (2) Liabilities arising from any
worker's compensation claim if the injury or condition giving rise to the claim
was incurred on or before the Distribution Date,  and (3) Liabilities that are
Columbia/HCA Liabilities or LifePoint Liabilities.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

          "Triad Option" means options to purchase shares of Triad Common Stock
granted to certain officers of Columbia/HCA on or prior to the Distribution
Date.

          "Triad Option Shares" means the shares of Triad Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of the Triad Option.

          "Triad Permitted Exceptions" means (1) Liens for taxes, water, sewer
and other service or use charges and fees, and other State, local or municipal
charges and assessments, not yet due and payable as of the Distribution Date,
(2) Liens for any indebtedness shown on the Triad Balance Sheet and Liens for
any contractual or other obligation to be retained by any of the Triad Group
following the Distribution Date, (3) standard printed exceptions customarily set
forth in ALTA title reports or title policies as in use in the jurisdiction in
which the  real property is located, (4) equity, joint venture or other similar
interests of others identified in Exhibit H in any of the hospitals and related
medical facilities and professional office buildings set forth on Exhibit H, (5)
                                                                  ---------
easements, encroachments, covenants, restrictions, rights of way, defects,
irregularities or encumbrances on title which do not materially impair the use
of such real property for the purpose for which it is used as of the
Distribution Date, (6) zoning and other municipal ordinances which are not
violated in any material respect by existing improvements and the present use
made of the premises, (7) any other Liens or title defects or irregularities
which do not, in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the Triad Group
Business (taken as a whole), and (8) Liens identified on Exhibit H.

          "Triad Real Property" means the real property set forth on Exhibit H,
                                                                     ---------
relating to the hospitals and related medical facilities and professional office
buildings of the Triad Group.

          "Triad Registration Statement" means a registration statement under
the Securities Act, on such form as may be appropriate thereunder, to effect the
registration of the Triad Option Shares and the resale thereof.

                                  ARTICLE II

               PRE-DISTRIBUTION TRANSACTIONS; CERTAIN COVENANTS

          Section 2.1.  Restructuring Transactions. Each of Columbia/HCA,
                        --------------------------
LifePoint and Triad shall take all necessary action to cause, effect and
consummate the Restructuring Transactions. In connection with the Restructuring
Transactions, the parties shall execute or cause to be executed by the
appropriate entities the Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments. Any transfers
of capital stock shall be effected by means of delivery of stock certificates
and executed stock powers and notation on the stock record books of the
corporation or other legal entities involved and, to the extent required by
applicable law, by notation on public registries.

          Section 2.2.  Consents. The parties hereto shall cooperate and shall
                        --------
use their reasonable efforts to obtain any third-party consents or approvals
that are required to

                                     -10-
<PAGE>

consummate the Restructuring Transactions, the Distribution and the other
transactions contemplated hereby (the "Consents").

          Section 2.3.  Transfer and Assignment of Certain Licenses and Permits.
                        -------------------------------------------------------

                  (a)    Licenses and Permits Relating to the LifePoint Group
                         ----------------------------------------------------
     Business. On or prior to the Distribution Date, or as soon as reasonably
     --------
     practicable thereafter, each of Columbia/HCA and Triad shall take all
     necessary action to duly and validly transfer, or cause to be duly and
     validly transferred, to the appropriate member of the LifePoint Group all
     transferable licenses, permits and authorizations issued by any
     Governmental Authority, if any, that relate primarily or exclusively (as
     determined by Columbia/HCA in its sole discretion) to the LifePoint Group
     Business but which are held in the name of Columbia/HCA or Triad, or any of
     their respective Subsidiaries, employees, officers, directors, stockholders
     or agents.

                  (b)    Licenses and Permits Relating to the Triad Group
                         ------------------------------------------------
     Business. On or prior to the Distribution Date, or as soon as reasonably
     --------
     practicable thereafter, each of Columbia/HCA and LifePoint shall take all
     necessary action to duly and validly transfer, or cause to be duly and
     validly transferred, to the appropriate member of the Triad Group all
     transferable licenses, permits and authorizations issued by any
     Governmental Authority, if any, that relate primarily or exclusively (as
     determined by Columbia/HCA in its sole discretion) to the Triad Group
     Business but which are held in the name of Columbia/HCA or LifePoint, or
     any of their respective Subsidiaries, employees, officers, directors,
     stockholders or agents.

          Section 2.4.  Transfer and Assignment of Certain Business Agreements.
                        ------------------------------------------------------

                  (a)    Transfer and Assignment of LifePoint Group Business
                         ---------------------------------------------------
     Agreements. On or prior to the Distribution Date, or as soon as reasonably
     ----------
     practicable thereafter, and subject to the limitations set forth in this
     Section 2.4, each of Columbia/HCA and Triad shall take all necessary action
     -----------
     to assign, transfer and convey, or cause to be assigned, transferred and
     conveyed, to the appropriate member of the LifePoint Group all of its (or
     any of its Subsidiaries') right, title and interest in and to any and all
     agreements, if any, that relate primarily or exclusively (as determined by
     Columbia/HCA in its sole discretion) to the LifePoint Group Business or any
     member of the LifePoint Group.

                  (b)  Transfer and Assignment of Triad Group Business
                       -----------------------------------------------
     Agreements. On or prior to the Distribution Date, or as soon as reasonably
     ----------
     practicable thereafter, and subject to the limitations set forth in this
     Section 2.4, each of Columbia/HCA and LifePoint shall take all necessary
     -----------
     action to assign, transfer and convey, or cause to be assigned, transferred
     and conveyed, to the appropriate member of the Triad Group all of its (or
     any of its Subsidiaries') right, title and interest in and to any and all
     agreements, if any, that relate primarily or

                                     -11-
<PAGE>

     exclusively (as determined by Columbia/HCA in its sole discretion) to the
     Triad Group Business or any member of the Triad Group.

               (c)  Joint Agreements. Subject to the provisions of this Section
                    ----------------                                    -------
     2.4, any agreement to which any party hereto (or, after giving effect to
     ---
     the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any of such party's
     Subsidiaries) is a party that inures to the benefit of more than one of the
     Columbia/HCA Group Business, the LifePoint Group Business and the Triad
     Group Business shall be assigned in part, on or prior to the Distribution
     Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, as directed by
     Columbia/HCA in its sole discretion with the intention that each Group
     shall continue to possess the rights and benefits, and be subject to the
     obligations, inuring to its business under such agreement.


               (d)  Obligations of Assignees. The assignee of any agreement
                    ------------------------
     assigned, in whole or in part, pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall assume
                                                     -----------
     and agree to pay, perform and fully discharge all obligations of the
     assignor under such agreement (whether such obligations arose or were
     incurred prior to, on or subsequent to the Distribution Date and
     irrespective of whether such obligations have been asserted as of the
     Distribution Date); provided, however, that each assignor shall promptly
     upon request from an assignee reimburse such assignee for any payments made
     by such assignee pursuant to an assigned agreement which were due prior to
     the Distribution Date, but not timely paid by the assignor. In the case of
     a partial assignment under Section 2.4(c) above, such assignee shall assume
                                --------------
     and agree to pay, perform and discharge the related portion of such
     obligations as determined in accordance with the terms of the relevant
     agreement, where determinable on the face thereof, and otherwise as
     directed by Columbia/HCA in its sole discretion in connection with such
     partial assignment.

          Section 2.5.  Transfers Not Effected Prior to the Distribution Date;
                        ------------------------------------------------------
Transfers Deemed Effective as of the Distribution Date. To the extent that any
------------------------------------------------------
transfers contemplated by this Article II shall not have been consummated on or
                               ----------
prior to the Distribution Date, each party hereto shall cooperate (and shall
cause each of its Subsidiaries to cooperate) to effect such transfers as
promptly following the Distribution Date as shall be practicable. Nothing herein
shall be deemed to require any party to, or constitute an agreement to, transfer
any Assets or assume any Liabilities which would require the Consent of a third
party which Consent had not been obtained or which otherwise by its terms or by
operation of Law cannot be transferred or assumed. If any such transfer of
Assets or Liabilities has not been consummated, or if an attempted transfer of
any Asset would be ineffective or would adversely affect the rights of any party
hereto so that such party would not receive all rights to such Asset, from and
after the Distribution Date the party required to transfer such Asset shall hold
such Asset in trust for the use and benefit of the party entitled thereto (at
the expense of the party entitled thereto) or retain such Liability for the
account of the party by whom such Liability is to be assumed pursuant hereto, as
the case may be, and take such other action as may be reasonably requested by
the party to whom such Asset is to be transferred, or by whom such Liability is
to be assumed, as the case may be, in order to place such party, insofar as is
reasonably possible, in the same position as would have existed had such

                                     -12-
<PAGE>

Asset or Liability been transferred or assumed as contemplated hereby. As and
when any such Asset or Liability becomes transferable or assumable, such
transfer shall be effected forthwith. As of the Distribution Date, each party
hereto (or, as applicable, such Subsidiary of such party) shall be deemed to
have acquired (or, as applicable, retained) complete and sole beneficial
ownership over all the Assets, together with all rights, powers and privileges
incident thereto, and shall be deemed to have assumed in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement all the Liabilities, and all duties, obligations and
responsibilities incident thereto, which such party (or, after giving effect to
the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any Subsidiary of such
party) is entitled to acquire or required to assume pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement.

          Section 2.6. Securities Matters. (a) LifePoint shall cooperate with
                       ------------------
     Columbia/HCA and Triad to prepare, and Columbia/HCA shall cause to be
     mailed to the holders of Columbia/HCA Common Stock at the close of business
     on the Record Date, for receipt by such holders prior to the Distribution
     Date, the Information Statement. Columbia/HCA and LifePoint shall cooperate
     in preparing and filing with the Commission any registration statements
     which it is necessary or advisable to file prior to the Distribution Date
     in respect of any employee benefit or other plan involving securities of
     LifePoint contemplated by the Benefits Agreement.

                 (b)  Triad shall cooperate with Columbia/HCA and LifePoint to
     prepare, and Columbia/HCA shall cause to be mailed to the holders of
     Columbia/HCA Common Stock at the close of business on the Record Date, for
     receipt by such holders prior to the Distribution Date, the Information
     Statement. Columbia/HCA and Triad shall cooperate in preparing and filing
     with the Commission any registration statements which it is necessary or
     advisable to file prior to the Distribution Date in respect of any employee
     benefit or other plan involving securities of Triad contemplated by the
     Benefits Agreement.

          Section 2.7.  Conduct Prior to the Distribution Date. Prior to the
                        --------------------------------------
Distribution Date, the businesses of the LifePoint Group and the Triad Group
shall be operated for the sole benefit of Columbia/HCA.

          Section 2.8.  Resignations.
                        ------------

                  (a)   Subject to Section 2.8(d) below, Columbia/HCA shall
                                   --------------
     cause all of its employees and all of the employees of its Subsidiaries to
     resign, effective as of 11:59 p.m. on the Distribution Date, from all
     positions as officers or directors of any Subsidiary of LifePoint in which
     they serve, and LifePoint shall cause all of its employees and all of the
     employees of its Subsidiaries to resign, effective as of 11:59 p.m. on the
     Distribution Date, from all positions as officers or directors of any
     Subsidiary of Columbia/HCA in which they serve.

                  (b)   Subject to Section 2.8(d) below, Columbia/HCA shall
                                   --------------
     cause all of its employees and all of the employees of its Subsidiaries to
     resign, effective as of 11:59 p.m. on the Distribution Date, from all
     positions as officers

                                     -13-
<PAGE>

     or directors of any Subsidiary of Triad in which they serve, and Triad
     shall cause all of its employees and all of the employees of its
     Subsidiaries to resign, effective as of 11:59 p.m. on the Distribution
     Date, from all positions as officers or directors of any Subsidiary of
     Columbia/HCA in which they serve.

               (c)  Subject to Section 2.8(d) below, LifePoint shall cause all
                               --------------
     of its employees and all of the employees of its Subsidiaries to resign,
     effective as of 11:59 p.m. on the Distribution Date, from all positions as
     officers or directors of any Subsidiary of Triad in which they serve, and
     Triad shall cause all of its employees and all of the employees of its
     Subsidiaries to resign, effective as of 11:59 p.m. on the Distribution
     Date, from all positions as officers or directors of any Subsidiary of
     LifePoint in which they serve.

               (d)  No person shall be required by any party hereto to resign
     from any position or office with another party hereto if such person has
     been appointed by the Board of Directors of the relevant entity to hold
     such position or office following the Distribution.

          Section 2.9.  Election of Officers. On or prior to the Distribution
                        --------------------
Date, each of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad shall, as applicable, take all
actions necessary and desirable so that, as of the Distribution Date, the
executive officers of LifePoint and Triad will be as set forth in the LifePoint
Form 10 or the Triad Form 10, as the case may be.

          Section 2.10.  Other Agreements. On or prior to the Distribution Date,
                         ----------------
or (in the case of agreements other than the Ancillary Agreements) as soon as
reasonably practicable thereafter, each of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad
shall take all necessary action to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed
and delivered, (a) the Ancillary Agreements, and (b) any other agreements in
respect of the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution as are necessary
or appropriate in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby.

                                  ARTICLE III

                               THE DISTRIBUTION

          Section 3.1.  Conditions Precedent to the Distribution. The
                        ----------------------------------------
Distribution shall be subject to, in the sole discretion of Columbia/HCA, the
fulfillment or waiver of each of the following conditions:

                    (a)  the Board of Directors of Columbia/HCA shall have
     declared the Distribution, established the Record Date and the Distribution
     Date and any appropriate procedures in connection with the Distribution to
     the extent not provided for herein;

                    (b)  any necessary regulatory approvals shall have been
     received;

                                     -14-
<PAGE>

                    (c)  the LifePoint Form 10 and the Triad Form 10 each shall
     have become effective under the Exchange Act and no stop order shall have
     been entered, and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated
     or threatened by the Commission with respect thereto;

                    (d)  all necessary permits, registrations and consents
     required under the securities or blue sky laws of states or other political
     subdivisions of the United States of America in connection with the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been received or
     become effective;

                    (e)  Columbia/HCA shall have elected or caused the election
     of the Board of Directors of LifePoint, as named in the LifePoint Form 10,
     and the LifePoint Certificate and the LifePoint By-laws shall be in effect;

                    (f)  Columbia/HCA shall have elected or caused the election
     of the Board of Directors of Triad, as named in the Triad Form 10, and the
     Triad Certificate and the Triad By-laws shall be in effect;

                    (g)  each of the LifePoint Common Stock and the Triad Common
     Stock shall have been approved for listing on NASDAQ, subject to official
     notice of issuance;

                    (h)  each of the Ancillary Agreements shall have been
     executed and delivered by the parties thereto and shall be in full force
     and effect;

                    (i)  Columbia/HCA shall have received a private letter
     ruling from the IRS (in form and substance satisfactory to Columbia/HCA)
     regarding the federal income tax treatment of the Restructuring
     Transactions and the Distribution, and in respect of such other matters as
     Columbia/HCA shall have deemed appropriate or desirable;

                    (j)  the Restructuring Transactions shall have been
     effected; and

                    (k)  consummation of the Distribution and the other
     transactions contemplated hereby shall not be prohibited by Law and no
     Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted,
     issued, promulgated or entered, or shall have threatened to enact, issue,
     promulgate or enter, any statute, rule, regulation, executive order,
     decree, injunction or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or
     permanent) which materially restricts, prevents or prohibits consummation
     of such transactions.

          Section 3.2. No Constraint. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
                       -------------                                    -------
3.1 above, the fulfillment or waiver of any or all of the conditions precedent
---
to the Distribution set forth therein shall not:

                    (a)  create any obligation on the part of Columbia/HCA to
     effect the Distribution;

                                     -15-
<PAGE>

                    (b)  in any way limit Columbia/HCA's right and power under
     Section 11.2 below to terminate this Agreement and to abandon the
     ------------
     Distribution; or

                    (c)  alter the consequences of any such termination under
     Section 11.2 below from those specified therein.
     ------------

          Section 3.3.  The Distribution. On or before the Distribution Date,
                        ----------------
subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in this Agreement,
Columbia/HCA shall deliver to the Distribution Agent certificates representing
all of the then outstanding shares of LifePoint Common Stock and Triad Common
Stock owned by Columbia/HCA (which, as of the Distribution Date, will constitute
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of LifePoint Common Stock and Triad
Common Stock), endorsed in blank, and shall instruct the Distribution Agent to
distribute to each holder of record of Columbia/HCA Common Stock at the close of
business on the Record Date certificates representing one share of LifePoint
Common Stock and one share of Triad Common Stock for every nineteen shares of
Columbia/HCA Common Stock so held. LifePoint agrees to provide all certificates
for shares of LifePoint Common Stock that the Distribution Agent shall require
to effect the LifePoint Distribution, and Triad agrees to provide all
certificates for shares of Triad Common Stock that the Distribution Agent shall
require in order to effect the Triad Distribution.

          Section 3.4.  Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding anything herein to
                        -----------------
the contrary, no fractional shares of LifePoint Common Stock or Triad Common
Stock shall be issued in connection with the Distribution, and any such
fractional share interests to which a stockholder would otherwise be entitled
will not entitle such stockholder to vote or to any rights of a stockholder of
LifePoint or Triad, as the case may be. In lieu of any such fractional shares,
each stockholder who, but for the provisions of this Section 3.4, would be
                                                     -----------
entitled to receive a fractional share of LifePoint Common Stock or Triad Common
Stock pursuant to the LifePoint Distribution or the Triad Distribution, or both,
shall be paid cash, without any interest thereon, as hereinafter provided.
Columbia/HCA shall instruct the Distribution Agent to determine the number of
whole shares and fractional shares of LifePoint Common Stock and Triad Common
Stock allocable to each stockholder, to aggregate all such fractional shares
into whole shares, to sell the whole shares obtained thereby in the open market
at the then prevailing prices on behalf of stockholders who otherwise would be
entitled to receive fractional share interests and to distribute to each such
stockholder his, her or its ratable share of the total proceeds of such sale,
after making appropriate deductions of the amount required for federal income
tax withholding purposes and after deducting any applicable transfer taxes. All
brokers' fees and commissions incurred in connection with such sales shall be
paid by Columbia/HCA. Solely for purposes of computing fractional shares
pursuant to this Section 3.4, the beneficial owner of shares of LifePoint Common
                 -----------
Stock or Triad Common Stock held of record in the name of a nominee will be
treated as the holder of record of such shares.

                                     -16-
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE IV

                                   COVENANTS

          Section 4.1.  Further Assurances. From and after the Distribution
                        ------------------
Date, each of the parties hereto will execute and deliver, and cause its
Subsidiaries to execute and deliver, such further instruments and documents and
take such other actions as any other party hereto may reasonably request in
order to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or by any of
the Ancillary Agreements. Without limitation of the foregoing, each of the
parties hereto will take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do, or cause to
be done, all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable
laws, regulations and agreements or otherwise to consummate and make effective
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or by any of the Ancillary
Agreements, including, without limitation, executing, and causing its
Subsidiaries to execute, such other instruments and documents as may be
reasonably required to assign, transfer, convey and vest in the proper party
ownership of its respective Assets or to effect the assumption by the proper
party of its respective Liabilities, using its reasonable efforts to obtain any
Consents, and making any filings and applications and taking all such further
reasonable actions as shall be necessary or desirable in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or by the Ancillary Agreements.

          Section 4.2.  Certain Intellectual Property Matters.
                        -------------------------------------

                 (a)    Except as otherwise specifically set forth elsewhere
     herein, from and after the Distribution Date, no party hereto, directly or
     indirectly, shall use (or permit any of its Subsidiaries to use) any name
     or any other trademark, service mark or trade name (collectively, the
     "Marks") owned and used by any other party hereto (or, after giving effect
     to the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any Subsidiary of
     any other party hereto) or any trade name, service mark or trademark likely
     to cause confusion with any such Mark, except (i) pursuant to a license
     agreement entered into in connection with the transactions contemplated
     hereby or (ii) for such Marks or portions thereof which, as used, are
     descriptive, generic or are not likely to cause confusion.

                 (b)    From and after the Distribution Date, each party hereto
     (and each of their respective Subsidiaries) shall have the right to use
     existing brochures, packaging, labeling, containers, linens, supplies,
     advertising materials and any similar materials bearing any Mark, which
     such party (and any such Subsidiary) does not have to right to use pursuant
     to Section 4.2 (a) above, until the earlier of (i) one year after the
        -----------
     Distribution Date and (ii) the date existing stocks of such material are
     exhausted. Each party hereto shall (and shall cause each of its
     Subsidiaries to) comply with all applicable laws or regulations in any use
     of packaging or labeling containing the Marks.

                 (c)    Each party hereto agrees to use its reasonable efforts
     to (and to cause each of its Subsidiaries to) cease using the Marks of any
     other party (or, after giving effect to the Restructuring Transactions and
     the Distribution, any

                                     -17-
<PAGE>

     Subsidiary of any other party hereto) on buildings, cars, trucks and other
     fixed assets as soon as possible but in any event within a period not to
     exceed one year after the Distribution Date.

               (d)  From and after the Distribution Date, no party hereto shall
     represent or permit to be represented to any third person that it (or any
     of its Subsidiaries) has a business affiliation with any other party hereto
     (or, after giving effect to the Restructuring Transactions and the
     Distribution, any Subsidiary of any other party hereto), except as
     expressly permitted by this Section 4.2 or by any of the Ancillary
                                 -----------
     Agreements.


          Section 4.3.  Assumption and Satisfaction of Liabilities. Except as
                        ------------------------------------------
otherwise specifically set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, from and after the
Distribution Date:

                 (a)  Columbia/HCA shall take all necessary action to assume,
     pay, perform and discharge, or cause to be assumed, paid, performed and
     discharged, all Columbia/HCA Liabilities in accordance with their terms,
     when determinable, and otherwise as determined in accordance with the
     practice of the parties prior to the Distribution;

                 (b)  LifePoint shall take all necessary action to assume, pay,
     perform and discharge, or cause to be assumed, paid, performed and
     discharged, all LifePoint Liabilities in accordance with their terms, when
     determinable, and otherwise as determined in accordance with the practice
     of the parties prior to the Distribution; and

                 (c)  Triad shall take all necessary action to assume, pay,
     perform and discharge, or cause to be assumed, paid, performed and
     discharged, all Triad Liabilities in accordance with their terms, when
     determinable, and otherwise as determined in accordance with the practice
     of the parties prior to the Distribution.

          Section 4.4.  Removal of Certain Guarantees.
                        -----------------------------

                 (a)    Removal of Columbia/HCA as Guarantor of LifePoint
                        -------------------------------------------------
     Liabilities and Triad Liabilities. Except as otherwise contemplated by the
     ---------------------------------
     Restructuring Transactions or as specified in any Ancillary Agreement or on
     Exhibit I hereto, each of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad shall use its
     ---------
     reasonable efforts to have, on or prior to the Distribution Date, or as
     soon as practicable thereafter, Columbia/HCA (and, after giving effect to
     the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any Subsidiary of
     Columbia/HCA) removed as a guarantor of, or obligor under or for, any
     LifePoint Group Liability or Triad Group Liability, as the case may be,
     including, without limitation, in respect of any agreement (or part
     thereof) assigned to LifePoint or Triad (or, after giving effect to the
     Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any of their respective
     Subsidiaries) pursuant to Section 2.4 above.
                               -----------

                                     -18-
<PAGE>

               (b)  Removal of LifePoint as Guarantor of Columbia/HCA
                    -------------------------------------------------
     Liabilities and Triad Liabilities. Except as otherwise contemplated by the
     ---------------------------------
     Restructuring Transactions or as specified in any Ancillary Agreement or on
     Exhibit I hereto, each of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad shall use its
     ---------
     reasonable efforts to have, on or prior to the Distribution Date, or as
     soon as practicable thereafter, LifePoint (and, after giving effect to the
     Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any Subsidiary of
     LifePoint) removed as a guarantor of, or obligor under or for, any
     Columbia/HCA Group Liability or Triad Group Liability, as the case may be,
     including, without limitation, in respect of any agreement (or part
     thereof) assigned to Columbia/HCA or Triad (or, after giving effect to the
     Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any of their respective
     Subsidiaries) pursuant to Section 2.4 above.
                               -----------

               (c)  Removal of Triad as Guarantor of Columbia/HCA Liabilities
                    ---------------------------------------------------------
     and LifePoint Liabilities. Except as otherwise contemplated by the
     -------------------------
     Restructuring Transactions or as specified in any Ancillary Agreement or on
     Exhibit I hereto, each of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad shall use its
     ---------
     reasonable efforts to have, on or prior to the Distribution Date, or as
     soon as practicable thereafter, Triad (and, after giving effect to the
     Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any Subsidiary of Triad)
     removed as a guarantor of, or obligor under or for, any Columbia/HCA Group
     Liability or LifePoint Group Liability, as the case may be, including,
     without limitation, in respect of any agreement (or part thereof) assigned
     to Columbia/HCA or LifePoint (or, after giving effect to the Restructuring
     Transactions and the Distribution, any of their respective Subsidiaries)
     pursuant to Section 2.4 above.
                 -----------

               (d)  Indemnification Relating to Guarantees. If (x) Columbia/HCA,
                    --------------------------------------
     LifePoint or Triad, or any of their respective Subsidiaries, as the case
     may be, cannot be removed as a guarantor or obligor as set forth in Section
                                                                         -------
     4.4(a), (b) or (c) above or (y) Liabilities arise from and after the
     ------   -      -            -
     Distribution Date but before a guarantor or obligor with reference to any
     such Liability is removed pursuant to Section 4.4(a), (b) or (c) above,
                                           --------------   -      -
     then such guarantor or obligor shall be indemnified and held harmless for
     all Liabilities incurred by it in its capacity as guarantor or obligor by
     (i) Columbia/HCA with respect to any Columbia/HCA Liabilities, (ii)
     LifePoint with respect to any LifePoint Liabilities, and (iii) Triad with
     respect to any Triad Liabilities.

          Section 4.5.  No Representations or Warranties; Consents.
                        ------------------------------------------

               (a)  General. Each of the parties hereto understands and agrees
                    -------
     that no party hereto, or to any other agreement or document contemplated by
     this Agreement (including the Ancillary Agreements and Conveyancing and
     Assumption Instruments, and any agreements or documents contemplated
     thereby), is making any representation or warranty whatsoever, including,
     without limitation, any representation or warranty:

                                     -19-
<PAGE>

                    (i)  as to the value or freedom from encumbrance of, or any
          other matter concerning, any Assets of such party; or

                    (ii) as to the legal sufficiency to convey title to any
          Asset.

     Each of the parties hereto confirms that it is not relying on any
     representation or warranty made by any other party hereto or any other
     person in connection with its execution and delivery of this Agreement.

               (b)  Disclaimer of Merchantability or Fitness of Assets. Each
                    --------------------------------------------------
     party hereto understands and agrees that there are no warranties, express
     or implied, as to the merchantability or fitness of any of the Assets
     either transferred to or retained by the Columbia/HCA Group, the LifePoint
     Group or the Triad Group, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restructuring
     Transactions and the other terms and provisions of this Agreement, any
     Ancillary Agreement, any Conveyancing and Assumption Instrument or any
     other agreement or document, and all such Assets which are so transferred
     will be transferred on an "as is, where is" basis, and the party to which
     any such Assets are transferred hereunder, or which retains Assets
     hereunder, shall bear the economic and legal risk that any conveyances of
     such Assets shall prove to be insufficient or that the title of such party
     or any other member of its respective Group to any such Assets shall be
     other than good and marketable and free from encumbrances.

               (c)  Acknowledgment of Disclosure and Waiver. Each of LifePoint
                    ---------------------------------------
     and Triad acknowledges, for itself and on behalf of each of its
     Subsidiaries, that:

                    (i)   Columbia/HCA has disclosed, and LifePoint and Triad
          have knowledge of, all matters pertaining to the Assets to be conveyed
          to the LifePoint Group or the Triad Group pursuant to the
          Restructuring Transactions or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement to
          the same extent that Columbia/HCA or any of its Affiliates has
          knowledge of such matters; and

                    (ii)  such knowledge constitutes notice and disclosure of
          such matters.

     Each of LifePoint and Triad waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law,
     for itself and for each of its Subsidiaries, any and all claims or causes
     of action which any of them may have arising out of such matters or the
     failure of any Conveyancing and Assumption Instrument to describe or refer
     to, or provide notice of, any such matters.

               (d)  No Representations or Warranties Regarding Consents. Each of
                    ---------------------------------------------------
     the parties hereto understands and agrees that no party hereto, or to any
     other agreement or document contemplated by this Agreement (including the
     Ancillary Agreements and Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments, and any

                                     -20-
<PAGE>

     agreement or document contemplated thereby) is making any representation or
     warranty whatsoever that the obtaining of any Consents, the execution and
     delivery of any amendatory agreements and the making of any filings or
     applications contemplated by this Agreement will satisfy the provisions of
     any or all applicable agreements or the requirements of any or all
     applicable Laws.  Each of the parties hereto further agrees and understands
     that the party to which any Assets are transferred as contemplated by the
     Restructuring Transactions or this Agreement shall bear the economic and
     legal risk that any Consents are not obtained or that any requirements of
     Laws are not complied with.

          Section 4.6.  Limitation on Solicitation of Employees. Each of
                        ---------------------------------------
Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad agrees, for itself and, after giving effect to
the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, its Subsidiaries and
Affiliates, that it shall not directly or indirectly, or in connection with any
other person, firm or entity approach, counsel, or induce any employee of any
other party hereto or, after giving effect to the Restructuring Transactions and
the Distribution, any of such other party's Subsidiaries or Affiliates, to leave
his or her employment at any time prior to the second anniversary of the
Distribution Date without the prior written consent of such other party.

          Section 4.7.  LifePoint Registration Statement.
                        --------------------------------

                  (a)   Registration. Subject to this Section 4.7, LifePoint
                        ------------                  -----------
     will cause to be filed within 120 days after the Distribution Date the
     LifePoint Registration Statement, and LifePoint agrees to effect no later
     than 210 days after the Distribution Date (i) the registration and/or
     qualification with, or the approval of, any governmental authority under
     the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws of the
     LifePoint Option and the LifePoint Option Shares and the resale thereof and
     (ii) the listing of the LifePoint Option Shares on NASDAQ, in each case as
     may be required to permit the exercise of the LifePoint Option and the sale
     or other disposition of the LifePoint Option Shares. LifePoint may, upon
     written notice to Columbia/HCA, defer filing the LifePoint Registration
     Statement, and may withhold efforts to cause the LifePoint Registration
     Statement to become effective, for a reasonable period of time, but not in
     excess of 60 days, if LifePoint has made a good faith determination that
     such registration would require the disclosure of material information
     which LifePoint has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as
     confidential or that LifePoint is unable to comply with SEC requirements.

                  (b)   Effectiveness. LifePoint shall keep effective and
                        -------------
     maintain the LifePoint Registration Statement and any other registration,
     qualification or listing of the LifePoint Option Shares required pursuant
     to this Section 4.7, and shall from time to time amend or supplement the
             -----------
     LifePoint Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection
     therewith to the extent necessary in order to comply with the Securities
     Act and applicable state securities laws, until the date that (i) the
     LifePoint Option has been exercised in its entirety and (ii) the LifePoint
     Option Shares either (x) have been sold or (y) may be sold without being
     registered under Section 5 of the Securities Act or in reliance upon an

                                     -21-
<PAGE>

     exemption therefrom. If, after the LifePoint Registration Statement becomes
     effective, LifePoint advises the holders of the LifePoint Option and the
     LifePoint Option Shares that LifePoint considers it appropriate for the
     LifePoint Registration Statement to be amended, such holders shall suspend
     any further exercises of the LifePoint Option and any sales of the
     LifePoint Option Shares until LifePoint advises them that the LifePoint
     Registration Statement has been amended, provided, that LifePoint shall use
     file such amendment and cause it to become effective as expeditiously as
     possible under the circumstances and in any event within 60 days of the
     date that such notice is given to the holders.

               (c)  Expenses. All expenses incident to the obligations of
                    --------
     LifePoint under Sections 4.7(a) and 4.7(b) hereof (including, without
                     --------------      ------
     limitation, registration fees, printing or document reproduction expenses,
     and fees and expenses of its counsel and accountants) shall be borne by
     LifePoint, and all other expenses incident to the disposition by each
     holder of the LifePoint Option Shares held by him or her (including,
     without limitation, fees and expenses of his or her counsel and all
     underwriting discounts, if any, brokerage commissions and similar fees)
     shall be borne by such holder.

               (d)  Information. Columbia/HCA agrees to cause each holder of the
                    -----------
     LifePoint Option to furnish to LifePoint such information as LifePoint may
     from time to time reasonably request in connection with the LifePoint
     Registration Statement and related prospectus, any amendment or supplement
     thereto or any other filings required by this Section 4.7, and, for so long
                                                   -----------
     as the registration, qualification, approval or listing remains effective,
     promptly after the sale or any other disposition by him or her of LifePoint
     Option Shares, to give LifePoint written notice of same.

               (e)  Indemnification under this Section 4.7. LifePoint agrees to
                    --------------------------------------
     indemnify and hold harmless, to the extent permitted by law, the holders of
     the LifePoint Option and hold them harmless at all times after the date
     hereof from and against and in respect of any and all liabilities, losses,
     damages, settlements, claims, costs or expenses, including, without
     limitation, attorneys' fees, under the Securities Act, state securities
     laws, common law or otherwise, arising out of or due to (A) any untrue
     statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
     LifePoint Registration Statement or related prospectus relating to the
     registration or qualification of the LifePoint Option Shares, or (B) any
     omission or alleged omission to state in the LifePoint Registration
     Statement or related prospectus a material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
     circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as
     such liabilities, losses, damages, settlements, claims, costs or expenses
     arise out of or are due to any untrue statement of a material fact
     contained in, or omission of a material fact from, information furnished in
     writing to LifePoint by the holders expressly for use in the LifePoint
     Registration Statement or related prospectus. If the offering pursuant to
     this Section 4.7 is made through underwriters, LifePoint agrees to enter
          -----------
     into an underwriting agreement in customary form with such underwriters

                                     -22-
<PAGE>

     and to indemnify such underwriters to the same extent as provided above
     with respect to the indemnification of the holders. The procedures to be
     followed in connection with the rights of indemnification provided in this
     Section 4.7(e) are set forth in Article V hereof.
     --------------                  ---------

               Section 4.8.   Triad Registration Statement.
                              ----------------------------

                       (a)    Registration. Subject to this Section 4.8, Triad
                              ------------                  -----------
     will cause to be filed within 120 days after the Distribution Date the
     Triad Registration Statement, and Triad agrees to effect no later than 210
     days after the Distribution Date (i) the registration and/or qualification
     with, or the approval of, any governmental authority under the Securities
     Act and any applicable state securities laws of the Triad Option and the
     Triad Option Shares and the resale thereof and (ii) the listing of the
     Triad Option Shares on NASDAQ, in each case as may be required to permit
     the exercise of the Triad Option and the sale or other disposition of the
     Triad Option Shares. Triad may, upon written notice to Columbia/HCA, defer
     filing the Triad Registration Statement, and may withhold efforts to cause
     the Triad Registration Statement to become effective, for a reasonable
     period of time, but not in excess of 60 days, if Triad has made a good
     faith determination that such registration would require the disclosure of
     material information which Triad has a bona fide business purpose for
     preserving as confidential or that Triad is unable to comply with SEC
     requirements.

                       (b)    Effectiveness. Triad shall keep effective and
                              -------------
     maintain the Triad Registration Statement and any other registration,
     qualification or listing of the Triad Option Shares required pursuant to
     this Section 4.8, and shall from time to time amend or supplement the Triad
          -----------
     Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith to
     the extent necessary in order to comply with the Securities Act and
     applicable state securities laws, until the date that (i) the Triad Option
     has been exercised in its entirety and (ii) the Triad Option Shares either
     (x) have been sold or (y) may be sold without being registered under
     Section 5 of the Securities Act or in reliance upon an exemption therefrom.
     ---------
     If, after the Triad Registration Statement becomes effective, Triad advises
     the holders of the Triad Option and the Triad Option Shares that Triad
     considers it appropriate for the Triad Registration Statement to be
     amended, such holders shall suspend any further exercises of the Triad
     Option and any sales of the Triad Option Shares until Triad advises them
     that the Triad Registration Statement has been amended, provided, that
     Triad shall use file such amendment and cause it to become effective as
     expeditiously as possible under the circumstances and in any event within
     60 days of the date that such notice is given to the holders.


                       (c)    Expenses. All expenses incident to the obligations
                              --------
     of Triad under Sections 4.8(a) and 4.8(b) hereof (including, without
                    --------------      ------
     limitation, registration fees, printing or document reproduction expenses,
     and fees and expenses of its counsel and accountants) shall be borne by
     Triad, and all other expenses incident to the disposition by each holder of
     the Triad Option Shares held by him or her (including, without limitation,
     fees and expenses of his or her counsel and all

                                     -23-
<PAGE>

     underwriting discounts, if any, brokerage commissions and similar fees)
     shall be borne by such holder.


                    (d)  Information. Columbia/HCA agrees to cause each holder
                         -----------
     of the Triad Option to furnish to Triad such information as Triad may from
     time to time reasonably request in connection with the Triad Registration
     Statement and related prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto or
     any other filings required by this Section 4.8, and, for so long as the
                                        -----------
     registration, qualification, approval or listing remains effective,
     promptly after the sale or any other disposition by him or her of Triad
     Option Shares, to give Triad written notice of same.

                    (e)  Indemnification under this Section 4.8. Triad agrees to
                         --------------------------------------
     indemnify and hold harmless, to the extent permitted by law, the holders of
     the Triad Option and hold them harmless at all times after the date hereof
     from and against and in respect of any and all liabilities, losses,
     damages, settlements, claims, costs or expenses, including, without
     limitation, attorneys' fees, under the Securities Act, state securities
     laws, common law or otherwise, arising out of or due to (A) any untrue
     statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
     Triad Registration Statement or related prospectus relating to the
     registration or qualification of the Triad Option Shares, or (B) any
     omission or alleged omission to state in the Triad Registration Statement
     or related prospectus a material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as such
     liabilities, losses, damages, settlements, claims, costs or expenses arise
     out of or are due to any untrue statement of a material fact contained in,
     or omission of a material fact from, information furnished in writing to
     Triad by the holders expressly for use in the Triad Registration Statement
     or related prospectus. If the offering pursuant to this Section 4.8 is made
                                                             -----------
     through underwriters, Triad agrees to enter into an underwriting agreement
     in customary form with such underwriters and to indemnify such underwriters
     to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of
     the holders. The procedures to be followed in connection with the rights of
     indemnification provided in this Section 4.8(e) are set forth in Article V
                                                                      ---------
     hereof.


               Section 4.9.  Certain Real Estate Matters
                             ---------------------------

               Columbia/HCA shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law,
     indemnify and hold harmless each of the LifePoint Indemnitees from and
     against any and all Losses which are actually incurred by the LifePoint
     Indemnitees within one year after the Distribution Date and which Losses
     arise from (i) the failure of the LifePoint Group to have, on the
     Distribution Date, good indefeasible fee title to, or a valid leasehold
     interest in, as applicable, the LifePoint Real Property free and clear of
     any and all Liens on and as of the Distribution Date except LifePoint
     Permitted Exceptions, (ii) any matter (not constituting a LifePoint
     Permitted Exception) that would be reflected on a current survey of the
     LifePoint Real Property as of the Distribution Date, which materially and

                                     -24-
<PAGE>

     adversely affects the LifePoint Group Business (taken as a whole), and
     (iii) an incorrect legal description of the LifePoint Real Property as of
     the Distribution Date that materially and adversely affects the LifePoint
     Group Business (taken as a whole). Columbia/HCA shall, to the fullest
     extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless each of the Triad
     Indemnitees from and against any and all Losses which are actually incurred
     by the Triad Indemnitees within one year after the Distribution Date and
     which Losses arise from (i) the failure of the Triad Group to have, on the
     Distribution Date, good indefeasible fee title to, or a valid leasehold
     interest in, as applicable, the Triad Real Property free and clear of any
     and all Liens on and as of the Distribution Date except Triad Permitted
     Exceptions, (ii) any matter (not constituting a Triad Permitted Exception)
     that would be reflected on a current survey of the Triad Real Property as
     of the Distribtion Date, which materially and adversely affects the Triad
     Group Business (taken as a whole), and (iii) an incorrect legal description
     of the Triad Real Property as of the Distribution Date that materially and
     adversely affects the Triad Group Business (taken as a whole).

               Section 4.10.  Personal Property.
                              ------------------

               Columbia/HCA shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law,
     indemnify and hold harmless each of the LifePoint Indemnitees from and
     against any and all Losses which are actually incurred by the LifePoint
     Indemnitees within one year after the Distribution Date and which Losses
     arise from the failure of Columbia/HCA to transfer, or cause to be
     transferred, its right, title and interest to the personal property
     reflected on the LifePoint Balance Sheet to LifePoint free and clear of any
     and all Liens which secure Funded Debt existing on and as of the
     Distribution Date except (i) changes in inventory and accounts receivable,
     or other personal property disposed of, in the ordinary course of business,
     (ii) as disclosed on the LifePoint Balance Sheet (or in the notes thereto)
     and (iii) Liens securing Funded Debt which do not, in the aggregate,
     constitute a material adverse change from the financial condition of
     LifePoint reflected on the LifePoint Balance Sheet. Columbia/HCA shall, to
     the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless each of
     the Triad Indemnitees from and against any and all Losses which are
     actually incurred by the Triad Indemnitees within one year after the
     Distribution Date and which Losses arise from the failure of Columbia/HCA
     to transfer, or cause to be transferred, its right, title and interest to
     the personal property reflected on the Triad Balance Sheet to Triad free
     and clear of any and all Liens which secure Funded Debt existing on and as
     of the Distribution Date except (i) changes in inventory and accounts
     receivable, or other personal property disposed of, in the ordinary course
     of business, (ii) as disclosed on the Triad Balance Sheet (or in the notes
     thereto) and (iii) Liens securing Funded Debt which do not, in the
     aggregate, constitute a material adverse change from the financial
     condition of Triad reflected on the Triad Balance Sheet.

                                     -25-
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE V

                                INDEMNIFICATION

          Section 5.1.  Indemnification by Columbia/HCA.
                        -------------------------------

                 (a)    Except as otherwise specifically set forth in any
     provision of this Agreement or of any Ancillary Agreement, Columbia/HCA
     shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless
     each of the LifePoint Indemnitees and the Triad Indemnitees from and
     against any and all Losses which are actually incurred by the LifePoint
     Indemnitees and the Triad Indemnitees, respectively, and which arise from
     (i) the Columbia/HCA Liabilities, (ii) the breach by Columbia/HCA or, after
     giving effect to the Restructuring Transactions and the Distribution, any
     of its Subsidiaries, of any contractual obligation arising under this
     Agreement, any of the Ancillary Agreements, or any of the Conveyancing and
     Assumption Instruments, or (iii) the Indemnified Matters; provided,
     however, that the indemnification provided for in this Section 5.1(a) shall
                                                            -------------
     exclude, and Columbia/HCA shall have no responsibility for, Losses arising
     out of or relating to acts, practices or omissions engaged in after the
     Distribution Date by LifePoint or Triad or any of their respective
     Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

                 (b)  For purposes of the indemnification specified in Section
                                                                       -------
     5.1(a) hereof, "Indemnified Matters" means (x) proceedings commenced by the
     ------
     United States Department of Justice and other federal and state
     governmental authorities (the "Government Investigations") of certain acts,
     practices or omissions alleged to have been engaged in by Columbia/HCA and
     its Subsidiaries and Affiliates prior to the Distribution Date with respect
     to Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal and Champus patients regarding (i)
     allegedly improper coding, including, but not limited to, diagnosis related
     group ("DRG") coding (commonly referred to as "upcoding") relating to bills
     submitted for medical services, (ii) allegedly improper outpatient
     laboratory billing (e.g., unbundling of services, medically unnecessary
     tests), (iii) inclusion of allegedly improper items in cost reports
     submitted as a basis for reimbursement under Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal
     and similar government programs for all cost reports relating to periods
     ending on or prior to the Distribution Date (it being understood that the
     scope of this clause (iii) includes any stub period from the date of filing
     of any such cost report to the Distribution Date), (iv) arrangements with
     physicians and other parties that allegedly violate certain federal and
     state laws governing referral relationships, including fraud and abuse,
     anti-kickback and "Stark" laws, (v) allegedly improper acquisitions of home
     health care agencies and allegedly excessive billing for home health care
     services, and (vi) other allegedly improper billing and coding practices
     with respect to government programs; (y) proceedings commenced and claims
     asserted by private parties and described in Columbia/HCA's Annual Report
     on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended

                                     -26-
<PAGE>

     December 31, 1998 (other than proceedings and claims generically described
     in such Form 10-K as matters arising in the ordinary course of business,
     except to the extent that any such proceeding or claim is covered by an
     insurance policy maintained by Columbia/HCA and listed on Exhibit D
     hereto), and (z) proceedings commenced and claims asserted, whether before
     or after the Distribution Date, by Governmental Authorities and private
     parties arising from acts, practices or omissions engaged in prior to the
     Distribution Date and relating to the subjects of the proceedings referred
     to in clauses (x) and (y) above or otherwise relating to any violation or
     alleged violation of a federal or state law which gives rise to a claim of
     fraud in the billing for and/or delivery of healthcare services.

                    (c)  It is agreed by the parties hereto that any positive
     recovery which results from resolution of a proceeding or claim which is an
     Indemnified Matter for the purposes of the indemnification specified in
     Section 5.1(a) hereof shall be for the sole benefit of Columbia/HCA.
     --------------

                    (d)  Notwithstanding the definition of "Losses" herein, to
     the extent that, solely as a result of an Indemnified Matter, any hospital
     owned and operated by, or leased and operated by, LifePoint or Triad as of
     the date of issuance of an Exclusion Order (as defined herein) is
     permanently excluded from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid
     programs by a final and nonappealable order issued by HCFA or by the OIG
     (an "Exclusion Order"), then Columbia/HCA shall make a cash payment to
     LifePoint or Triad, as the case may be, in respect of each hospital so
     excluded (each, an "Excluded Hospital") in an amount , if positive, equal
     to (x) five multiplied by the Excluded Hospital's 1998 EBITDA as set forth
     on Annex A hereto less (y) the net proceeds of the sale or other
     disposition of such Excluded Hospital. Such payment shall be made by
     Columbia/HCA within 30 days following the date of the sale or other
     disposition of the Excluded Hospital.

               Section 5.2.  Indemnification by LifePoint. Except as otherwise
                             ----------------------------
specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement or of any Ancillary
Agreement, LifePoint shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify
and hold harmless the Columbia/HCA Indemnitees and the Triad Indemnitees from
and against any and all Losses of the Columbia/HCA Indemnitees and the Triad
Indemnitees, respectively, arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in
connection with either (a) the LifePoint Liabilities or (b) the breach by
LifePoint or, after giving effect to the Restructuring Transactions and the
Distribution, any of its Subsidiaries, of any contractual obligation arising
under this Agreement, any of the Ancillary Agreements, or any of the
Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments.

               Section 5.3.  Indemnification by Triad. Except as otherwise
                             ------------------------
specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement or of any Ancillary
Agreement, Triad shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and
hold harmless the Columbia/HCA Indemnitees and the LifePoint Indemnitees from
and against any and all Losses of the Columbia/HCA Indemnitees and the LifePoint
Indemnitees, respectively, arising out of,

                                     -27-
<PAGE>

by reason of or otherwise in connection with either (a) the Triad Liabilities or
(b) the breach by Triad or, after giving effect to the Restructuring
Transactions and the Distribution, any of its Subsidiaries, of any contractual
obligation arising under this Agreement, any of the Ancillary Agreements, or any
of the Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments.

               Section 5.4.  Limitations on Indemnification Obligations.
                             ------------------------------------------

                       (a)   Reductions for Insurance Proceeds and Other
                             -------------------------------------------
     Recoveries. The amount that any party (an "Indemnifying Party") is or may
     ----------
     be required to pay to any person (an "Indemnitee") pursuant to Section 5.1,
                                                                    -----------
     Section 5.2 or Section 5.3 above, as applicable, shall be reduced
     -----------    -----------
     (retroactively or prospectively)---by any Insurance Proceeds, other amounts
     actually recovered from third parties, or amounts recovered pursuant to any
     Ancillary Agreement, by or on behalf of such Indemnitee in respect of the
     related Losses. Each of the parties agrees that it shall use its best
     efforts to collect any such Insurance Proceeds or other amounts to which it
     or any of its Subsidiaries may be entitled. The existence of a claim by an
     Indemnitee for insurance or against a third party in respect of any Loss
     shall not delay any payment pursuant to the indemnification provisions
     contained herein and otherwise determined to be due and owing by an
     Indemnifying Party; rather, the Indemnifying Party shall make payment in
     full of such amount so determined to be due and owing by it against an
     assignment by the Indemnitee to the Indemnifying Party of the entire claim
     of the Indemnitee for such insurance or against such third party. No
     insurer or any other third party shall be (i) entitled to a benefit it
     would not be entitled to receive in the absence of the foregoing
     indemnification provisions, (ii) relieved of the responsibility to pay any
     claims for which it is obligated, or (iii) entitled to any subrogation
     rights with respect to any obligation arising under the foregoing
     indemnification provisions. If an Indemnitee shall have received the
     payment required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party in respect of
     any Loss and shall subsequently actually receive Insurance Proceeds or
     other amounts in respect of such Loss, then such Indemnitee shall hold such
     Insurance Proceeds or other amounts in trust for the benefit of such
     Indemnifying Party and promptly shall pay to such Indemnifying Party a sum
     equal to the amount of such Insurance Proceeds or other amounts actually
     received, up to the aggregate amount of any payments received from such
     Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Agreement in respect of such Loss.


                       (b)   Adjustments for Taxes. The amount of any Loss shall
                             ---------------------
     be: (i) increased (retroactively or prospectively) to take into account any
     net Tax cost actually incurred by an Indemnitee arising from any payments
     received from the Indemnifying Party (grossed up for such increase); and
     (ii) reduced (retroactively or prospectively) to take into account any net
     Tax benefit actually realized by an Indemnitee arising from the incurrence
     or payment of any such Loss. In computing the amount of such Tax cost or
     Tax benefit, an Indemnitee shall be deemed to recognize all other items of
     income, gain, loss, deduction or credit before recognizing any item arising
     from the receipt or accrual of any payment with respect to any such Loss or
     the incurrence or payment of any such Loss. If

                                     -28-
<PAGE>

     an Indemnitee shall have received or accrued the payment required by this
     Agreement from an Indemnifying Party and shall subsequently actually
     realize any net Tax benefit arising from the incurrence or payment of such
     Loss, then such Indemnitee promptly shall pay to such Indemnifying Party a
     sum equal to the amount of such net Tax benefit, up to the aggregate amount
     of any payments received from such Indemnifying Party pursuant to this
     Agreement in respect of such Loss.

                       (c)  Reductions for Subsequent Recoveries or Other
                            ---------------------------------------------
     Events. In addition to any adjustments required pursuant to Section 5.4(a)
     ------                                                      -------------
     or Section 5.4(b) above, if the amount of any Loss shall, at any time
        -------------
     subsequent to any indemnification payment made by an Indemnifying Party
     pursuant to this Article V, be reduced by recovery, settlement or
                      ---------
     otherwise, the amount of such reduction, less any expenses incurred in
     connection therewith, shall promptly be repaid by Indemnitee to the
     Indemnifying Party, up to the aggregate amount of any payments received
     from such Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Article V in respect of such
                                                   ---------
     Loss.

                       (d)  Assignment of Claims for Contribution and/or
                            --------------------------------------------
     Indemnification. Upon the request of an Indemnifying Party, an Indemnitee
     ---------------
     shall assign to the Indemnifying Party any and all claims of such
     Indemnitee for contribution and/or indemnification against any party (other
     than another Indemnitee) arising out of the claim for which indemnity is
     sought.

          Section 5.5.  Procedures Regarding Indemnification.
                        ------------------------------------

                  (a)  Notice of Third Party Claims. If a claim or demand is
                       ----------------------------
     made against an Indemnitee by any person who is not a party hereto or a
     Subsidiary of a party hereto (a "Third Party Claim") as to which such
     Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, such
     Indemnitee shall notify the Indemnifying Party in writing, and in
     reasonable detail, of the Third Party Claim promptly (and in any event
     within fifteen business days) after receipt by such Indemnitee of written
     notice of the Third Party Claim; provided, however, that failure to give
     such notification shall not affect the Indemnitee's right to
     indemnification hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall
     have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure (except that the
     Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any expenses incurred during the
     period in which the Indemnitee failed to give such notice). Thereafter, the
     Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly (and in any
     event within five business days) after the Indemnitee's receipt thereof,
     copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by
     the Indemnitee relating to the Third Party Claim.


                  (b)  Legal Defense of Third Party Claims. If a Third Party
                       -----------------------------------
     Claim is made against an Indemnitee, the Indemnifying Party shall be
     entitled to participate in the defense thereof and, if it so chooses, to
     assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party.
     Should the

                                     -29-
<PAGE>

     Indemnifying Party so elect to assume the defense of a Third Party
     Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall, within 30 days of its receipt of
     notice of such Third Party Claim from Indemnitee (or sooner if the nature
     of the Third Party Claim so requires), notify the Indemnitee of its intent
     to do so, and the Indemnifying Party shall thereafter not be liable to the
     Indemnitee for legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the
     Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof; provided, that such
     Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel to represent such
     Indemnitee if, in the judgment of the Indemnifying Party, a conflict of
     interest between such Indemnitee and such Indemnifying Party exists in
     respect of such claims which would make representation of both such parties
     by one counsel inappropriate, and in such event the fees and expenses of
     such separate counsel shall be paid by such Indemnifying Party.  If the
     Indemnifying Party assumes such defense, the Indemnitee shall have the
     right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, subject
     to the proviso of the preceding sentence, at its own expense, separate from
     the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Party, it being understood that
     the Indemnifying Party shall control such defense.  The Indemnifying Party
     shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel employed by the
     Indemnitee for any period during which the Indemnifying Party has failed to
     assume the defense thereof (other than during any period during which the
     Indemnitee shall have failed to have given notice of the Third Party Claim
     as required above).  If the Indemnifying Party so elects to assume the
     defense of any Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall have the
     right to settle such action or claim on such terms as it deems appropriate,
     and all of the Indemnitees shall fully and completely cooperate with the
     Indemnifying Party in the defense of such action or claim and shall provide
     the Indemnifying Party with access (including access to employees of the
     Indemnitees) and copying rights during normal business hours to all
     records, books, contracts, instruments, computer data and other information
     in the possession of the Indemnitees which is reasonably required in
     connection with the defense of such action or claim. It is understood and
     agreed that wherever in this Section 5. 5  reference is made to the payment
                                  -------------
     of fees and expenses of counsel for the Indemnitee by the Indemnifying
     Party, the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any Third Party
     Claim or any group of separate but substantially similar Third Party Claims
     arising out of the same general allegations, be liable for the fees and
     expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all
     Indemnitees.

                       (c)  Settlement of Third Party Claims. Except as
                            --------------------------------
     otherwise provided in this Section 5.5 or as otherwise specifically
                                -----------
     provided in any Ancillary Agreement, unless and until the Indemnifying
     Party has failed to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim within
     thirty days of its receipt of notice of such Third Party Claim from
     Indemnitee (or sooner if the nature of the Third Party Claim so requires),
     then in no event will the Indemnitee admit any liability with respect to,
     or settle, compromise or discharge, any Third Party Claim without the
     Indemnifying Party's prior written consent; provided, however, that the
     Indemnitee shall have the right to settle, compromise or discharge such
     Third Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party if the
     Indemnitee releases the Indemnifying Party from its indemnification
     obligation hereunder

                                     -30-
<PAGE>

     with respect to such Third Party Claim and such settlement, compromise or
     discharge would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnifying Party. If,
     upon expiration of 30 days from the date that the Indemnifying Party
     receives notice of a Third Party Claim from Indemnitee, the Indemnifying
     Party has not notified the Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense
     of such Third Party Claim, then in no event shall the Indemnitee settle,
     compromise or discharge such Third Party Claim without providing prior
     written notice to the Indemnifying Party, and the Indemnifying Party shall
     then have the option within fifteen days following receipt of such notice
     to:

                    (A)  approve and agree to pay the settlement;

                    (B)  approve the amount of the settlement, reserving the
               right to contest the Indemnitee's right to indemnity pursuant to
               this Agreement; or

                    (C)  disapprove the settlement and assume in writing all
               past and future responsibility for such Third Party Claim
               (including all of Indemnitee's prior expenditures in connection
               therewith, and the Indemnifying Party shall furnish reasonable
               assurance that it will discharge such responsibility).

               (d)  Other Claims.  Any claim on account of a Loss which does not
                    ------------
     result from a Third Party Claim shall be asserted by written notice given
     by the Indemnitee to the applicable Indemnifying Party. Such Indemnifying
     Party shall have a period of fifteen days after the receipt of such notice
     within which to respond thereto. If such Indemnifying Party does not
     respond within such fifteen-day period, or if such Indemnifying Party
     rejects such claim in whole or in part, then such Indemnitee shall be free
     to pursue such remedies as may be available to it under this Agreement.

          Section 5.6.  Indemnification Payments.  Amounts for which payment is
                        ------------------------
required to be made by any party pursuant to this Article V shall be reflected
                                                  ---------
on the Monthly Statements to be prepared by each of LifePoint and Triad pursuant
to Section 8.1(f) hereof, as and when bills are received or loss, liability,
   --------------
claim, damage or expense is incurred or recovery is made. Such amounts shall be
adjusted to reflect addition or deduction of any Reconciling Payment required to
be made pursuant to Section 8.1(f) and such payments shall be made at the times
                    --------------
and in the manner provided in Section 8.1(f).
                              --------------

          Section 5.7.  Cooperation of the Parties with Respect to Actions and
                        ------------------------------------------------------
Third Party Claims.
------------------

               (a)  Identification of Party in Interest.  Any party to this
                    -----------------------------------
     Agreement that has responsibility for an Action or Third Party Claim shall
     identify itself as the true party in interest with respect to such Action
     or Third Party Claim and shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain the
     dismissal of any other party to this Agreement from such Action or Third
     Party Claim.

                                     -31-
<PAGE>

               (b)  Disputes Regarding Responsibility for Actions and Third
                    -------------------------------------------------------
     Party Claims. If there is uncertainty or disagreement concerning which
     ------------
     party to this Agreement has responsibility for any Action or Third Party
     Claim, the following procedure shall be followed in an effort to reach
     agreement concerning responsibility for such Action or Third Party Claim:

                    (i)    The parties in disagreement over the responsibility
          for an Action or Third Party Claim shall exchange brief written
          statements setting forth their position concerning which party has
          responsibility for the Action or Third Party Claim in accordance with
          the provisions of this Article V. These statements shall be exchanged
                                 ---------
          within ten days of a party putting another party on written notice
          that such other party is or may be responsible for the Action or Third
          Party Claim.

                    (ii)   If, within ten days of the exchange of the written
          statement of each party's position, agreement is not reached on
          responsibility for the Action or Third Party Claim, the General
          Counsel for each of the parties in disagreement over responsibility
          for the Action or Third Party Claim shall meet (which meeting may be
          by telephone or in person) to attempt to reach agreement on
          responsibility for the Action or Third Party Claim.

               (c)  Effect of Failure to Follow Procedure.  Failure to follow
                    -------------------------------------
     the procedure set forth in Section 5.7(b) above shall not affect the rights
                                --------------
     and responsibilities of the parties as established by the other provisions
     of this Article V.
             ---------

               (d)  Exchange of Information.  In connection with the handling of
                    -----------------------
     current or future Actions or Third Party Claims, the parties may determine
     that it is in their mutual interest to exchange privileged or confidential
     information. If so, the parties agree to discuss whether it is in their
     mutual interest to enter into a joint defense agreement or information
     exchange agreement to maintain the confidentiality of their communications
     and to permit them to maintain the confidentiality of proprietary
     information or information that is otherwise confidential or subject to an
     applicable privilege, including, but not limited to, the attorney-client,
     work product, executive, deliberative process, or self-evaluation
     privileges.

          Section 5.8.  Contribution.  To the extent that any indemnification
                        ------------
provided for under Section 5.1, Section 5.2 or Section 5.3 above is unavailable
                   -----------  -----------    -----------
to an Indemnitee or is insufficient in respect of any Loss of such Indemnitee,
then the Indemnifying Party under such Section, in lieu of indemnifying such
Indemnitee in respect of such Loss, shall contribute to the amount paid or
payable by such Indemnitee as a result of such Loss (a) in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect the relative value of the business owned or held by the
Indemnifying Party immediately after giving effect to the Distribution, on the
one hand, and the value of the business owned or held by the Indemnitee
immediately after giving effect to the Distribution, on the other hand, or

                                     -32-
<PAGE>

(b) if the allocation provided by clause (a) above is not permitted by
applicable Law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the
relative sizes of the parties referred to in clause (a) above but also the
relative fault of the Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and of the
Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the action, inaction,
statements or omissions that resulted in such Loss as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations.

          Section 5.9.  Survival of Indemnities; Exclusive Remedy. The
                        -----------------------------------------
indemnification obligations of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad under this
Article V shall survive the sale or other transfer by any of them of any Assets
---------
or businesses or the assignment by any of them of any Liabilities, with respect
to any Loss by any Indemnitee related to such Assets, businesses or Liabilities;
provided, however, that the indemnification obligations set forth herein shall
be terminated to the extent that any Indemnitee seeks indemnification in respect
of a matter in which the procedures regarding indemnification set forth in this
Article V (including the provision of Section 5.5 above requiring that an
---------                             -----------
Indemnifying Party be given the opportunity to assume and control the defense of
any Third Party Claim) shall not have been followed. The indemnification
provided for in this Article V shall be the exclusive remedy in any action
                     ---------
seeking damages or any other form of monetary relief brought by any party to
this Agreement against another party.


                                  ARTICLE VI

                             ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS

          Section 6.1.  Generally.  Except as provided in Section 5.4 above
                        ---------                         -----------
relating to adjustment of indemnification amounts for insurance proceeds and net
Tax benefits or detriments, all matters relating to the subject matter of each
Ancillary Agreement shall be governed exclusively by such Ancillary Agreement,
and the provisions of such Ancillary Agreement shall govern in the event of any
inconsistency with this Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE VII

                              ACCOUNTING MATTERS

          Section 7.1.  Settlement of Intercompany Accounts.
                        -----------------------------------

               (a)  Settlement of Intercompany Accounts Between LifePoint Group
                    -----------------------------------------------------------
     and Columbia/HCA Group.  All intercompany receivables, payables and loans
     ----------------------
     (other than receivables, payables and loans otherwise specifically provided
     for in any of the Ancillary Agreements or hereunder), including, without
     limitation, in respect of any cash balances, any cash balances representing
     deposited checks or drafts for which only a provisional credit has been
     allowed or any cash held in any centralized cash management system, between
     the LifePoint Group, on the one hand, and the Columbia/HCA Group, on the
     other hand, shall,

                                     -33-
<PAGE>

     as of the close of business on the Distribution Date, be settled,
     capitalized or converted into ordinary trade accounts, in each case as may
     be agreed in writing prior to the Distribution Date by duly authorized
     representatives of the Columbia/HCA Group and the LifePoint Group.

               (b)  Settlement of Intercompany Accounts Between Triad Group and
                    -----------------------------------------------------------
     Columbia/HCA Group. All intercompany receivables, payables and loans (other
     ------------------
     than receivables, payables and loans otherwise specifically provided for in
     any of the Ancillary Agreements or hereunder), including, without
     limitation, in respect of any cash balances, any cash balances representing
     deposited checks or drafts for which only a provisional credit has been
     allowed or any cash held in any centralized cash management system, between
     the Triad Group, on the one hand, and the Columbia/HCA Group, on the other
     hand, shall, as of the close of business on the Distribution Date, be
     settled, capitalized or converted into ordinary trade accounts, in each
     case as may be agreed in writing prior to the Distribution Date by duly
     authorized representatives of the Columbia/HCA Group and the Triad Group.

               (c)  Settlement of Intercompany Accounts Between LifePoint Group
                    -----------------------------------------------------------
     and Triad Group. All intercompany receivables, payables and loans (other
     ---------------
     than receivables, payables and loans otherwise specifically provided for in
     any of the Ancillary Agreements or hereunder), including, without
     limitation, in respect of any cash balances, any cash balances representing
     deposited checks or drafts for which only a provisional credit has been
     allowed or any cash held in any centralized cash management system, between
     the LifePoint Group, on the one hand, and the Triad Group, on the other
     hand, shall, as of the close of business on the Distribution Date, be
     settled, capitalized or converted into ordinary trade accounts, in each
     case as may be agreed in writing prior to the Distribution Date by duly
     authorized representatives of the LifePoint Group and the Triad Group.

          Section 7.2.  Allocation of Prepaid Items and Reserves.  All prepaid
                        ----------------------------------------
items and reserves that have been maintained by Columbia/HCA on a consolidated
basis but that relate in part to Assets or Liabilities of the LifePoint Group or
the Triad Group shall be allocated among the Columbia/HCA Group, the LifePoint
Group and the Triad Group in such manner as shall be determined by Columbia/HCA
in its sole discretion.

          Section 7.3.  Financial Accounting Treatment of Assets Transferred and
                        --------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities Assumed.  Solely for financial accounting purposes, any transfer of
-------------------
Assets of the Columbia/HCA Group to the LifePoint Group or the Triad Group
pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute contributions by Columbia/HCA to the
capital of LifePoint or Triad, as the case may be, and any assumption by the
LifePoint Group or the Triad Group of Liabilities of the Columbia/HCA Group
pursuant to this Agreement, net of Assets received, shall be treated as a
distribution by LifePoint or Triad, as the case may be, to Columbia/HCA.

                                     -34-
<PAGE>

          Section 7.4.  Other Accounting Matters.  Exhibit J hereto sets forth
                        ------------------------   ---------
the agreement of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad as to the payment of and
financial responsibility for certain matters.


                                 ARTICLE VIII

                       INDEMNIFICATION AND OTHER MATTERS
                        RELATING TO GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

          Section 8.1.  Indemnification and Other Matters Relating to Pre-
                        --------------------------------------------------
Distribution Period Cost Reports.
--------------------------------

               (a)  Each of LifePoint and Triad shall be responsible for filing
     Medicare provider, Medicaid provider, Medi-Cal provider, Champus/Tricare
     provider, and cost-based Blue Cross provider cost reports ("Cost Reports")
     in respect of its respective hospitals and other health care facilities
     ("Facilities") relating to periods ending on or prior to the Distribution
     Date ("Pre-Distribution Periods"). Columbia/HCA shall indemnify and hold
     harmless each of LifePoint and Triad for all payments which it or any
     member of its Group is required to make in respect of Cost Report payables
     relating to Pre-Distribution Periods, and each of LifePoint and Triad shall
     indemnify and hold harmless Columbia/HCA for and pay over to Columbia/HCA
     any amount received by it or any member of its Group in respect of Cost
     Report receivables relating to Pre-Distribution Periods. The first payment
     due to be made hereunder to and from Columbia/HCA, on the one hand, and to
     and from each of LifePoint and Triad, on the other hand, shall be
     determined in respect of the period between the Distribution Date and May
     31, 1999, and payments due to be made hereunder shall thereafter be
     determined and paid on a monthly basis, all as provided in Section 8.1(f)
                                                                --------------
     below. Each of LifePoint, Triad and Columbia/HCA will account for the
     arrangement provided for in this Section 8.1(a) in a manner intended to
     reflect the retention of all operating income statement impacts arising
     from Pre-Distribution Cost Reports by Columbia/HCA.

               (b)  Columbia/HCA shall retain all rights to Medicare, Medicaid,
     Medi-Cal, Champus/Tricare, and cost-based Blue Cross reimbursement for all
     appeal issues relating to Pre-Distribution Periods. Columbia/HCA shall have
     sole discretion to initiate and pursue any individual and group appeal
     issue for Cost Reports relating to Pre-Distribution Periods; however,
     Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad will cooperate in discussing new appeal
     issues. Each of LifePoint and Triad agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
     Columbia/HCA for and pay over to Columbia/HCA any payment received by it or
     any member of its Group in respect of appeal issues relating to Pre-
     Distribution Periods. Such payment over to Columbia/HCA shall be made
     within 30 days of the receipt of such payment by LifePoint or Triad, as the
     case may be.

               (c)  Each of LifePoint and Triad shall appoint Columbia/HCA as
     the third party representative for all hearings on group and individual
     appeal

                                     -35-
<PAGE>

     issues relating to Pre-Distribution Periods. Each of LifePoint and Triad
     acknowledges that all correspondence (such as audit adjustments, Notices of
     Program Reimbursement, etc.) relating to such appeal issues will be
     forwarded within seven business days of receipt to the Columbia/HCA
     Director of Appeals or to such other representative of Columbia/HCA as may
     be specified in writing by Columbia/HCA. Each of LifePoint and Triad
     further agrees that if failure to forward such documentation on a timely
     basis results in loss of an appeal issue, then LifePoint and/or Triad, as
     the case may be, shall indemnify and hold harmless Columbia/HCA for and pay
     over to Columbia/HCA an amount reasonably determined by Columbia/HCA to
     represent the amount of lost reimbursement resulting from such loss of an
     appeal issue.

               (d)  Prior to the preparation of the Cost Reports relating to
     Pre-Distribution Periods, each of LifePoint and Triad shall obtain
     information and data from Columbia/HCA on appeal issues that are to be
     included in such Cost Reports. Any portion of such Cost Reports relating to
     such appeal issues shall be prepared on a basis consistent with directions
     from Columbia/HCA. Drafts of all Cost Reports relating to Pre-Distribution
     Periods shall be submitted by LifePoint and Triad to Columbia/HCA for
     review and approval before such Cost Reports are filed with the Medicare,
     Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Champus/Tricare and cost-based Blue Cross fiscal
     intermediaries, and no Cost Report relating to a Pre-Distribution Period
     shall be filed by LifePoint or Triad prior to approval of such Cost Report
     by Columbia/HCA. The parties agree that, with respect to any Cost Report
     related to a Pre-Distribution Period which is due to be filed after June
     30, 1999, a draft shall be furnished to Columbia/HCA for its review not
     less than 30 days prior to the date that such Cost Report is due to be
     filed, and Columbia/HCA shall provide its comments on such draft within 14
     days of its receipt of the draft. Each of LifePoint and Triad shall be
     responsible for the completion of the Columbia/HCA Home Office Workpaper
     set applicable to Home Office Cost Statements relating to Pre-Distribution
     Periods and shall submit such workpaper set to the Columbia/HCA Assistant
     Vice President of Home Office or to such other representative of
     Columbia/HCA as may be specified by Columbia/HCA. Each of LifePoint and
     Triad agrees that it will not file or cause to be filed any amended Cost
     Report relating to a Pre-Distribution Period without the prior written
     consent of Columbia/HCA, and further agrees that it will file any amendment
     to a Cost Report relating to a Pre-Distribution Period which it is
     requested to file by Columbia/HCA. Each of LifePoint and Triad agrees to
     provide Columbia/HCA with monthly status reports in a form reasonably
     requested by Columbia/HCA setting forth a description of all activity in
     respect of Cost Reports relating to Pre-Distribution Periods together with
     copies of all related documentation received by it or any of its Facilities
     (except to the extent that such documentation has previously been provided
     to Columbia/HCA).

               (e)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9.1 below, all
                                                      -----------
     information, documents and records relating to Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-
     Cal, Champus/Tricare and cost-based Blue Cross receivables and payables
     which relate to Pre-Distribution Periods shall be the property of
     Columbia/HCA. Each

                                     -36-
<PAGE>

     of LifePoint and Triad agrees to take all necessary action, at its expense,
     to transfer or cause to be transferred to Columbia/HCA, as soon as
     practicable following the Distribution Date, all of such materials in its
     possession. Prior to the transfer of such information, documents and
     records to Columbia/HCA, each of LifePoint and Triad may make copies of
     such materials for its own use, but shall not deliver copies of such
     materials to any other party, including, without limitation, any consultant
     or any potential buyer of a Facility, without the prior written consent of
     Columbia/HCA.

               (f)  For any period (initially, the period between the
     Distribution Date and May 31, 1999, and thereafter, each calendar month) in
     which the amount of payments in respect of Cost Reports relating to Pre-
     Distribution Periods received by LifePoint or Triad exceeds the aggregate
     amount of payments made by it, then LifePoint or Triad shall be obligated
     pursuant to Section 8.1(a) above to make a cash payment to Columbia/HCA
                 --------------
     equal to the difference between the aggregate amount of payments received
     by it and the aggregate amount of payments made by it, and for any calendar
     month in which the amount of payments in respect of Cost Reports relating
     to Pre-Distribution Periods made by LifePoint or Triad exceeds the
     aggregate amount of payments received by it, then Columbia/HCA shall be
     obligated pursuant to Section 8.1(a) above to make a cash payment to
                           -------
     LifePoint or Triad equal to the difference between the aggregate amount of
     payments made by LifePoint or Triad and the aggregate amount of payments
     received by LifePoint or Triad (in either case, a "Reconciling Payment").
     Within 20 days of the end of each calendar month, each of LifePoint and
     Triad shall provide to Columbia/HCA a statement (the "Monthly Statement")
     summarizing all payments made by it, and all payments received by it,
     during such month in respect of Cost Reports relating to Pre-Distribution
     Periods, and setting forth the amount of the Reconciling Payment to be made
     by it to Columbia/HCA or by Columbia/HCA to it, as the case may be. The
     Monthly Statements prepared by LifePoint and Triad shall also reflect any
     payments to be made by LifePoint or Triad to Columbia/HCA, or by
     Columbia/HCA to LifePoint or Triad, pursuant to the provisions of Article V
     hereof. If Columbia/HCA does not provide notice of disagreement within 15
     days following its receipt of a Monthly Statement, the Monthly Statement
     shall become final and binding, and the party obligated to make the
     Reconciling Payment provided for therein, and any other payment provided
     for therein, shall make such payment within 10 days of the date that the
     Monthly Statement becomes final and binding. A notice of disagreement with
     the Monthly Statement shall provide reasonable detail of the nature of the
     disagreement. During the 15 day period following receipt of a notice of
     disagreement, Columbia/HCA and LifePoint or Triad, as the case may be,
     shall attempt to resolve any differences they may have with respect to any
     matters specified in the notice of disagreement. If at the end of such 15
     day period the parties have reached agreement with respect to the matters
     identified in the notice of disagreement, the Monthly Statement (as
     adjusted to reflect such agreement) shall be final and binding, and the
     party obligated to make the Reconciling Payment provided for therein, and
     any other payment provided for therein, shall make such payment within 10
     days of the date that the Monthly

                                     -37-
<PAGE>

     Statement becomes final and binding. If at the end of such 15 day period
     the parties have not reached agreement with respect to the matters
     identified in the notice of disagreement, then (i) any Reconciling Payment
     or other payment (or portion thereof) which would be required to be made by
     any party under the Monthly Statement if the disputed matter or matters
     were resolved in its favor shall be made and (ii) resolution of the
     disputed matter or matters shall be governed by the applicable provisions
     of Article XI hereof.

          Section 8.2.  Matters Relating to Post-Distribution Period Cost
                        -------------------------------------------------
Reports.
-------

               (a)  Each of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad shall be
     responsible for filing Medicare provider, Medicaid provider, Medi-Cal
     provider, Champus/Tricare provider, and cost-based Blue Cross provider Cost
     Reports in respect of its Facilities relating to periods ending after the
     Distribution Date ("Post-Distribution Periods"), and each shall be entitled
     to, or be responsible for, any receivables or payables in respect of Cost
     Reports relating to Post-Distribution Periods.

               (b)  Each of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad shall be
     responsible for its own separate and distinct Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal,
     Champus/Tricare and cost-based Blue Cross appeal functions (including,
     without limitation, the protection of appeal rights and the filing of
     appeal requests) relating to any Post-Distribution Period; provided,
     however, that if Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Champus/Tricare and/or cost-
     based Blue Cross group appeal cases can be or are required to be
     consolidated for Cost Reports relating to Post-Distribution Periods, each
     of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad agree to share the legal fees and
     expert witness fees on a pro rata basis based upon the amount of the
     reimbursement in dispute for the appeal cases for each party. Each party
     shall bear its own internal costs as related to such appeal. The decision
     to consolidate the cases shall be made through the mutual agreement of the
     parties affected by the appeal, and where cases are consolidated, such
     parties shall mutually agree as to the management of the appeal cases
     (including, without limitation, approval of position papers, attorneys to
     be used, expert witnesses and venue).

          Section 8.3.  Cooperation on Reimbursement Matters.
                        ------------------------------------

               (a)  Each of LifePoint and Triad shall be responsible for
     furnishing, in a form reasonably requested by Columbia/HCA, all
     documentation required as part of the Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal,
     Champus/Tricare and cost-based Blue Cross audits of Cost Reports relating
     to Pre-Distribution Periods and each agrees to assist in whatever way
     reasonably requested by Columbia/HCA in connection with resolutions of
     issues and disputes in connection with Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal,
     Champus/Tricare and cost-based Blue Cross programs, including, without
     limitation, by providing witnesses and by causing the appropriate hospital
     financial officer to attend all exit conferences.

                                     -38-
<PAGE>

               (b)  Each of LifePoint and Triad shall notify Columbia/HCA of all
     audits or other proceedings with respect to reimbursement through the
     Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Champus/Tricare and cost-based Blue Cross
     programs for Cost Reports relating to Pre-Distribution Periods. Such notice
     shall be given within 48 hours after LifePoint's or Triad's corporate
     office is notified of the scheduling of such audit or proceeding.
     Columbia/HCA shall also be provided with all correspondence relating to
     such proceedings (such as proposed audit adjustments) within seven business
     days of receipt. No action shall be taken by LifePoint or Triad with regard
     to such audits or other proceedings (except for the provision of requested
     documentation at the Facility level) without the prior written consent of
     Columbia/HCA.

          Section 8.4.  Limitation.  The obligations of Columbia/HCA pursuant to
                        ----------
Section 8.1(a) above to indemnify LifePoint and Triad for payments which they
--------------
are required to make in respect of one or more Cost Reports relating to Pre-
Distribution Periods shall be terminated in the event that LifePoint or Triad,
as the case may be, fails to comply in all material respects with the procedures
regarding such Cost Reports, appeal issues, cooperation and related matters set
forth in this Article VIII.

                                  ARTICLE IX

                       CORPORATE RECORDS AND INFORMATION

          Section 9.1.  Provision, Transfer and Delivery of Applicable Corporate
                        -------------------------------------------------------
Records.  Except as otherwise provided herein or in any Ancillary Agreement:
-------

               (a)  Provision, Transfer and Delivery of Columbia/HCA Group
                    ------------------------------------------------------
     Records. Each of LifePoint and Triad shall take all necessary action to
     -------
     transfer, or cause to be transferred, as soon as practicable following the
     Distribution Date (at Columbia/HCA's expense) to Columbia/HCA, the Books
     and Records in its or its Subsidiaries' possession that relate primarily to
     the Columbia/HCA Group Business or are necessary to operate the
     Columbia/HCA Group Business (collectively, the "Columbia/HCA Group
     Records"), except to the extent such items are already in the possession of
     the Columbia/HCA Group. The Columbia/HCA Group Records shall be the
     property of Columbia/HCA, but shall be available pursuant to Section 9.2
                                                                  -----------
     below to each of LifePoint and Triad for review and copying.

               (b)  Provision, Transfer and Delivery of LifePoint Group Records.
                    -----------------------------------------------------------
     Columbia/HCA and Triad shall take all necessary action to transfer, or
     cause to be transferred, as soon as practicable following the Distribution
     Date (at LifePoint's expense) to LifePoint, the Books and Records in its or
     its Subsidiaries' possession that relate primarily to the LifePoint Group
     Business or are necessary to operate the LifePoint Group Business
     (collectively, the "LifePoint Group Records"), except to the extent such
     items are already in the possession of the LifePoint Group.  The LifePoint
     Group Records shall be the

                                     -39-
<PAGE>

     property of LifePoint, but shall be available pursuant to Section 9.2 below
                                                               -----------
     to each of Columbia/HCA and Triad for review and copying.

               (c)  Provision, Transfer and Delivery of Triad Group Records.
                    -------------------------------------------------------
     Each of Columbia/HCA and LifePoint shall take all necessary action to
     transfer, or cause to be transferred, as soon as practicable following the
     Distribution Date (at Triad's expense) to Triad, the Books and Records in
     its or its Subsidiaries' possession that relate primarily to the Triad
     Group Business or are necessary to operate the Triad Group Business
     (collectively, the "Triad Group Records"), except to the extent such items
     are already in the possession of the Triad Group. The Triad Group Records
     shall be the property of Triad, but shall be available pursuant to Section
                                                                        -------
     9.2 below to each of Columbia/HCA and LifePoint for review and copying.
     ---

          Section 9.2.  Access to Information.  From and after the Distribution
                        ---------------------
Date, each of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad shall afford one another
(including each party's accountants, counsel and other designated
representatives) reasonable access (including using reasonable efforts to give
access to persons or firms possessing information) and copying rights during
normal business hours to all records, books, contracts, instruments, computer
data and other data and information in its possession relating to its business
and affairs, insofar as such access is reasonably required, including, without
limitation, for audit, accounting and litigation purposes. Any copying expense
shall be borne by the party requesting such copying. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, no party shall have the right to access any patient information or
medical records to the extent that such access, in the reasonable judgment of
the party requested to provide such access, would not be permitted by applicable
Law or otherwise would violate obligations related to patient confidentiality.

          Section 9.3.  Confidentiality.
                        ---------------

               (a)  General Restriction on Disclosure. Each of Columbia/HCA,
                    ---------------------------------
     LifePoint and Triad shall take all necessary action to hold, and shall
     cause its (and its respective Subsidiaries') consultants, advisors and
     other representatives to hold, in strict confidence all information
     concerning each other party hereto and such other party's Subsidiaries in
     its possession, custody or control to the extent such information either:

                    (i)    relates to the period up to the Distribution Date;

                    (ii)   is obtained pursuant to Section 9.2 above;
                                                   -----------

                    (iii)  relates to any Ancillary Agreement; or

                    (iv)   is obtained in the course of performing services for
          the other party pursuant to any Ancillary Agreement,

     and each party hereto shall (and shall cause each of its respective
     Subsidiaries to) refrain from otherwise releasing or disclosing such
     information to any other

                                     -40-
<PAGE>

     person, except for such person's auditors, attorneys, financial advisors,
     bankers and other consultants and advisors, without the prior written
     consent of the other affected party or parties.

               (b)  Exceptions to Confidential Treatment.  Notwithstanding
                    ------------------------------------
     Section 9.3(a) above, no party hereto shall be prohibited from using or
     --------------
     permitting the use of and no party shall be required to hold in confidence
     any information to the extent that (i) such information has been or is in
     the public domain through no fault of such party, (ii) such information was
     used or held for use in such party's business (and in no other party's
     business) prior to the Distribution Date, (iii) such information is, after
     the Distribution Date, lawfully acquired by such party from sources other
     than a party hereto or a Subsidiary of a party hereto, (iv) this Agreement,
     any Ancillary Agreement or any other agreement entered into pursuant hereto
     permits the use or disclosure of such information by such party, or (v)
     such information is necessary for such party to investigate, evaluate,
     defend or prosecute any claim or Action involving any other party hereto.
     To the extent that a party hereto (or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the
     knowledge of such party or Subsidiary, any current or former employee of
     such party or Subsidiary) is requested (by oral questions, interrogatories,
     requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand
     or similar process) to disclose any information required to be kept
     confidential pursuant to this Section 9.3, such party agrees to take all
                                   -----------
     necessary action to maintain, or cause to be maintained (or in respect of a
     current or former employee, to take all reasonable action as is necessary
     to cause such employee to maintain), the confidentiality of such
     information and to provide prompt notice to any of (i) Columbia/HCA, if
     such information relates to the Columbia/HCA Group Business or to the
     Columbia/HCA Liabilities or the Indemnified Matters, (ii) LifePoint, if
     such information relates to the LifePoint Group Business or to the
     LifePoint Liabilities, or (iii) Triad, if such information relates to the
     Triad Group Business or to the Triad Liabilities, so that the party or
     parties to which the information pertains may seek an appropriate
     protective order or waive the notifying party's compliance with this
     Section 9.3(b).  If, in the absence of a protective order or the receipt of
     --------------
     a waiver hereunder, the person which has received such a request is,
     nonetheless, in the reasonable written opinion of counsel, legally required
     to disclose such information, such person may disclose such information,
     and no party shall be liable pursuant to this Section 9.3(b); provided,
                                                   --------------
     that such person furnishes only that portion of the information which such
     person is advised by counsel to disclose and exercises its reasonable
     efforts to obtain assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to
     the disclosed portion of the information. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
     each party will be permitted to disclose confidential information in any
     proceeding in which such party is in an adversarial position to any other
     party to this Agreement.

          Section 9.4.  Litigation Cooperation.  Each of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint
                        ----------------------
and Triad shall use its best efforts to make available to one another, upon
written request of a party hereto, its Group's officers, directors, employees
and agents as witnesses to the extent that such persons may reasonably be
required in connection with any legal,

                                     -41-
<PAGE>

legislative, administrative or other proceedings arising out of the business of
such requesting party prior to the Distribution Date in which the requesting
party may from time to time be involved. In the event that any party provides
witnesses pursuant to this Section 9.4, it shall be entitled to reimbursement
                           -----------
from the requesting party for all reasonably incurred out-of-pocket costs and
expenses, but not including internal time charges.

          Section 9.5.  Retention of Records.  Except when a longer period is
                        --------------------
required by Law or is specifically provided for herein or in any Ancillary
Agreement, each party hereto shall take all necessary action to keep, or cause
to be kept, in its original form, for a period of at least fifteen years
following the Distribution Date, all material information (including, without
limitation, all material Books and Records) relating to such party's Group and
its operations prior to the Distribution Date; provided, however, that any party
hereto may offer in writing to deliver to the other parties all or a portion of
such information as it relates to the offering party's Group and, if such offer
is accepted in writing within 90 days after receipt thereof, the offering party
shall promptly arrange for the delivery of such information (or copies thereof)
to each accepting party (at the expense of such accepting party). If such offer
is not so accepted, the offered information may be destroyed or otherwise
disposed of by the offering party at any time thereafter; provided, however,
that no information shall be destroyed or disposed of prior to the date that
Columbia/HCA shall notify LifePoint and Triad that the Government Investigations
have been concluded. With regard to patient records, each party hereto shall
maintain the patient records held at each of its Facilities (or delivered to it
pursuant hereto) relating to periods prior to the Distribution Date in
accordance with applicable Law (including, if applicable, 42 U.S.C. Section 1395
(V)(I)(i)), and requirements of relevant insurance carriers, and in a manner
consistent with its maintenance of patient records generated at its Facilities
after the Distribution Date. Each party acknowledges that as a result of
operating the Facilities it will gain access to patient and other information
which is subject to rules and regulations regarding confidentiality, and agrees
to abide by such rules and regulations with regard to such confidential
information.

          Section 9.6.  Privileged Matters.
                        ------------------

               (a)  Privileged Information.  Each of the parties hereto shall
                    ----------------------
     reasonable action as is necessary to maintain, preserve, protect and
     assert, or cause to be maintained, preserved, protected and asserted, all
     privileges, including, without limitation, all privileges arising under or
     relating to the attorney-client relationship (including, but not limited
     to, the attorney-client and attorney work product privileges), that relate
     directly or indirectly to the business of any other Group for any period
     prior to the Distribution Date ("Privilege" or "Privileges"). Columbia/HCA
     shall be entitled in perpetuity to require the assertion or to decide
     whether to consent to the waiver of any and all Privileges which relate
     primarily to the Columbia/HCA Liabilities or the Indemnified Matters;
     LifePoint shall be entitled in perpetuity to require the assertion or to
     decide whether to consent to the waiver of all Privileges which relate
     primarily to the LifePoint Liabilities; and Triad shall be entitled in
     perpetuity to require the assertion or to decide whether to consent to the
     waiver of all Privileges which

                                     -42-
<PAGE>

     relate primarily to the Triad Liabilities. Each of the parties hereto shall
     use the same degree of care as it would use with respect to its own
     Privileges, so as not to waive, or permit to be waived, any such Privilege
     that could be asserted under applicable Law without the prior written
     consent of the other party or parties having the right to assert or waive
     such Privilege pursuant to this Section 9.6(a).
                                     --------------

               (b)  Shared Privileges.
                    -----------------

                    (i)    The parties hereto agree that they shall have a
          shared Privilege, with equal right to assert or waive, subject to the
          restrictions in this Section 9.6(b)(i), with respect to all Privileges
                               -----------------
          not allocated pursuant to the terms of Section 9.6(a) above. All
                                                 --------------
          Privileges relating to any claims, proceedings, litigation, disputes,
          or other matters which involve two or more of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint
          or Triad and in respect of which two or more of such parties retain
          any responsibility or liability under this Agreement, shall be subject
          to a shared Privilege among them.

                    (ii)   No party hereto may waive any Privilege which could
          be asserted under any applicable law, and in which any other party
          hereto has a shared Privilege, without the consent of the other party,
          except to the extent reasonably required in connection with any
          litigation with third-parties or as provided in Section 9.6(c) below.
                                                          --------------
          Consent shall be in writing, or shall be deemed to be granted unless
          written objection is made within twenty days after notice upon the
          other party requesting such consent.

                    (iii)  If a dispute arises between or among the parties
          hereto or their respective Subsidiaries regarding whether a Privilege
          should be waived to protect or advance the interest of any party, each
          party agrees that it shall negotiate in good faith, shall endeavor to
          minimize any prejudice to the rights of the other parties, and shall
          not unreasonably withhold consent to any request for waiver by another
          party. Each party hereto specifically agrees that it will not withhold
          consent to waiver for any purpose except to protect its own legitimate
          interests.

               (c)  Compelled Disclosure.  To the extent that a party hereto (or
                    --------------------
     any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of such party or Subsidiary,
     any current or former employee of such party or Subsidiary) is requested
     (by oral questions, interrogatories, requests for information or documents,
     subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any
     information under circumstances in which any Privilege would be available
     ("Privileged Information"), such party agrees to take all necessary action
     to assert, or cause to be asserted (or in respect of a current or former
     employee, to take all reasonable action as is necessary to cause such
     employee to assert), such Privilege in good faith and to provide prompt
     notice to any of (i) Columbia/HCA, if such Privileged Information relates
     to the Columbia/HCA Liabilities or the

                                     -43-
<PAGE>

     Indemnified Matters, (ii) LifePoint, if such Privileged Information relates
     to the LifePoint Liabilities, or (iii) Triad, if such Privileged
     Information relates to the Triad Liabilities, so that the party or parties
     to which the Privileged Information pertains may seek an appropriate
     protective order or waive the notifying party's compliance with this
     Section 9.6(c). If, in the absence of a protective order or the receipt of
     --------------
     a waiver hereunder, the person which has received such a request is,
     nonetheless, in the reasonable written opinion of counsel, legally required
     to disclose such Privileged Information or else stand liable for contempt
     or suffer other censure or penalty, such person may disclose such
     Privileged Information, and no party shall be liable pursuant to this
     Section 9.6(c); provided, that such person furnishes only that portion of
     --------------
     the Privileged Information which such person is advised by counsel to
     disclose and (ii) exercises its reasonable efforts to obtain assurance that
     confidential treatment will be accorded to the disclosed portion of the
     Privileged Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each party will be
     permitted to disclose Privileged Information in any proceeding in which
     such party is in an adversarial position to any other party to this
     Agreement.

               (d)  No Waiver.  The parties hereto agree that the transfer of
                    ---------
     any Books and Records or other information between the Columbia/HCA Group,
     the LifePoint Group, or the Triad Group shall be made in reliance on the
     agreements of Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and Triad, as set forth in Section
                                                                      -------
     9.3 above and this Section 9.6, to maintain the confidentiality of
     ---                -----------
     confidential information and to assert and maintain all applicable
     Privileges. The Books and Records being transferred pursuant to Section 9.1
                                                                     -----------
     above, the access to information being granted pursuant to Section 9.2
                                                                -----------
     above, the agreement to provide witnesses and individuals pursuant to
     Section 9.4 above and the transfer of Privileged Information to any party
     -----------
     hereto (or any of its Subsidiaries) pursuant to this Agreement shall not be
     deemed a waiver of any Privilege that has been or may be asserted under
     this Section 9.6 or otherwise.  Nothing in this Agreement shall operate to
          -----------
     reduce, minimize or condition the rights granted to each party in, or the
     obligations imposed upon each party by, this Section 9.6.
                                                  -----------

          Section 9.7.  Certain Matters.  Notwithstanding any other provision
                        ---------------
set forth in this Article IX or elsewhere herein, each of LifePoint and Triad
                  ----------
acknowledges the existence of the Government Investigations and of the
proceedings and claims which constitute the Indemnified Matters, and each
acknowledges that Columbia/HCA may need access to information regarding the
LifePoint Group Business and the Triad Group Business for purposes of responding
to the Government Investigations and the Indemnified Matters. Each of LifePoint
and Triad agrees to provide all information which is requested by Columbia/HCA
in connection with the Government Investigations and the Indemnified Matters,
and that such information may be disclosed by Columbia/HCA to the
representatives of the Governmental Authorities who are conducting the
Government Investigations and otherwise may be disclosed as deemed to be
appropriate by Columbia/HCA in connection with the Indemnified Matters. Each of
LifePoint and Triad further agrees to provide representatives of the
Governmental Authorities who are conducting the Government Investigations with
direct, full and complete access to all of the LifePoint Group Records (in the
case of LifePoint) and the

                                     -44-
<PAGE>

Triad Group Records (in the case of Triad) as well as the right to make copies
of such records, and to permit representatives of such Governmental Authorities
to remove original records upon reasonable notice and the substitution of copies
for any records to be removed. Each of LifePoint and Triad also agrees to permit
employees to speak with the representatives of such Governmental Authorities.
Each of LifePoint and Triad agrees that, in connection with the Government
Investigations, it will participate with Columbia/HCA in negotiating one or more
Compliance Agreements.

                                   ARTICLE X

                             INTEREST ON PAYMENTS

     Section 10.1.  Interest on Payments.  Except as otherwise expressly
                    --------------------
provided in this Agreement, all payments by one party to the other under this
Agreement shall be paid, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an
account in the United States designated by the recipient, within 30 days after
receipt of an invoice or other written request for payment setting forth the
specific amount due and a description of the basis therefor in reasonable
detail. Any amount remaining unpaid beyond its due date, including disputed
amounts that are ultimately determined to be payable, shall bear interest during
the period that such amount remains unpaid (computed on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30-day months) at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the prime
commercial lending rate publicly announced by The Chase Manhattan Bank or any
successor thereto at its principal office (or any alternative rate substituted
therefor by such bank).

                                  ARTICLE XI

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

     Section 11.1.  Allocation of Costs and Expenses.  Except as otherwise set
                    --------------------------------
forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, all costs and expenses
incurred on or prior to the Distribution Date (whether or not paid on or prior
to the Distribution Date) in connection with the Restructuring Transactions, the
Distribution and the other transactions contemplated hereby, including, but not
limited to, (i) the preparation, printing and filing of the LifePoint Form 10
and the Triad Form 10, (ii) the Listing of the LifePoint Common Stock and the
Triad Common Stock, (iii) the preparation and negotiation of all of the
documentation related to the Restructuring Transactions, the Distribution and
the other transactions contemplated hereby, (iv) the preparation, printing and
mailing of the Information Statement, (v) the preparation and filing of the
private letter ruling request submission by Columbia/HCA to the IRS, and (vi)
the engagement of Goldman, Sachs & Co. as financial advisor to Columbia/HCA in
connection with Restructuring Transactions, the Distribution and the other
transactions contemplated hereby, shall be charged to and paid by Columbia/HCA;
provided, however, that each of LifePoint and Triad shall be solely responsible
and liable for any fees, costs or other expenses that it separately and directly
incurs in connection with any of the Restructuring Transactions, the
Distribution or any of the other transactions contemplated by this

                                     -45-
<PAGE>

Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements. Except as otherwise set forth in
this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, each party shall bear its own costs
and expenses incurred after the Distribution Date. Any amount or expense to be
paid or reimbursed by any party hereto to any other party hereto shall be so
paid or reimbursed promptly after the existence and amount of such obligation is
determined and demand therefor is made.

          Section 11.2.  Termination; Amendment.  This Agreement may be
                         ----------------------
terminated and the Distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned at any
time prior to the consummation of the Distribution by and in the sole discretion
of Columbia/HCA without the approval of LifePoint or Triad. In the event of such
termination, amendment, modification or abandonment, no party hereto shall have
any Liability of any kind to any other party or any other person. After the
Distribution Date, this Agreement may not be terminated, amended or modified
except by an agreement in writing signed by all of the parties hereto; provided,
however, that only the signatures of Columbia/HCA and LifePoint shall be
required to amend or modify this Agreement in a manner which affects only the
rights and obligations hereunder as between Columbia/HCA and LifePoint, and only
the signatures of Columbia/HCA and Triad shall be required to amend or modify
this Agreement in a manner which affects only the rights and obligations
hereunder as between Columbia/HCA and Triad.

          Section 11.3.  Disputes.
                         --------

               (a)  Resolution of any and all disputes arising from or in
          connection with this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement, any
          Conveyancing and Assumption Instrument or any transaction contemplated
          hereby or thereby, whether based on contract, tort, statute or
          otherwise, including, but not limited to, disputes in connection with
          claims by third parties (collectively, "Disputes"), shall be resolved
          in accordance with this Section 11.3; provided, however, that a party
                                  ------------
          may, without prejudice to the provisions of this Section 11.3, file a
                                                           ------------
          complaint for statute of limitations reasons, or to seek a preliminary
          injunction or other provisional relief, if in its sole judgment such
          action is necessary to avoid irreparable damage or to preserve the
          status quo. Despite such action the parties shall continue to
          participate in good faith in the procedures specified in this Section
                                                                        -------
          11.3. All applicable statutes of limitations and defenses based upon
          ----
          the passage of time shall be tolled while the procedures set forth in
          this Section 11.3 are pending. The parties shall take such action, if
               ------------
          participate in good faith in the procedures specified in this Section
          11.3. All applicable statutes of limitations and defenses based upon
          the passage of time shall be tolled while the procedures set forth in
          this Section 11.3 are pending. The parties shall take such action, if
               ------------
          any, as is required to effectuate such tolling.

               (b)  The parties shall use all reasonable efforts to amicably
     resolve any Dispute through direct discussions, and each party agrees that
     its senior management will respond promptly to notice of any such Dispute.
     Any party hereto may give another party written notice of any Dispute,
     which notice shall include a statement of the position of the party giving
     such notice and a summary of arguments supporting that position. Within 30
     days after such written notice is received, one or more members of the
     senior management of each of the parties involved in the Dispute shall meet
     in Nashville, Tennessee to

                                     -46-
<PAGE>

     attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute. All reasonable requests for
     information made by one party to the other will be honored.

               (c)  If the Dispute has not been resolved by negotiation pursuant
     to Section 11.3(b) above within 90 days of delivery of the first written
        ---------------
     notice, or if the senior management of the parties to the Dispute have
     failed to meet within 45 days after the date of delivery of such notice,
     then within 15 days thereafter, the chief executive officer of each of the
     parties involved in the Dispute shall meet in Nashville, Tennessee to
     attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute.

               (d)  If the Dispute has not been resolved by negotiation pursuant
     to Section 11.3(b) or (c) above within 120 days of delivery of the first
        ---------------    ---
     written notice, or if the chief executive officers of such parties have
     failed to meet when required pursuant to Section 11.3(c) above, then each
                                              ---------------
     party to the Dispute shall retain and thereafter may pursue all rights and
     remedies it may have at law or in equity in respect of such Dispute,
     including, without limitation, commencing any Action permitted by Law or,
     if the parties mutually shall agree, submitting such matter to be settled
     by arbitration.

          Section 11.4.  Consent to Jurisdiction.  Columbia/HCA, LifePoint and
                         -----------------------
Triad each hereby expressly (a) submits and consents in advance to the
jurisdiction of any Tennessee State Court sitting in Nashville, Tennessee or the
United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee with respect
to any Actions arising out of or relating to this Agreement, (b) waives any
objection which it may have based upon lack of personal jurisdiction, improper
venue or forum non conveniens, (c) agrees that all claims with respect to such
Actions may be heard and determined in any Tennessee State Court sitting in
Nashville, Tennessee or the United States District Court for the Middle District
of Tennessee, (d) agrees not to commence any Action relating to this Agreement
other than in a Tennessee State Court sitting in Nashville, Tennessee or the
United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, and (e)
agrees that a final judgment in any such Action shall be conclusive and may be
enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner
provided by law.

          Section 11.5.  Waiver of Jury Trial.  EACH OF COLUMBIA/HCA, LIFEPOINT
                         --------------------
AND TRIAD ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER
THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND
THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH
PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (A)
NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED,
EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF
LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND
HAS

                                     -47-
<PAGE>

CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER
VOLUNTARILY AND (D) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY,
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 11.5.
                                                                  ------------

          Section 11.6.  Notices.  All notices or other communications required
                         -------
or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and sufficient if sent by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as provided below; or
delivered personally, by private courier or fax, and followed by such mailing:

          If to Columbia/HCA, to


                    Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation
                    One Park Plaza
                    Nashville, Tennessee 37203
                    Telecopy:  (615) 344-2015
                    Attention:  Mr. Milton Johnson
                                Vice President and Controller

     with a copy to:

                    Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation
                    One Park Plaza
                    Nashville, Tennessee 37203
                    Telecopy:   (615) 344-2075
                    Attention:  Robert A. Waterman, Esq.
                                Senior Vice President and General Counsel

          If to LifePoint, to

                    LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.
                    4525 Harding Road
                    Suite 103
                    Nashville, Tennessee  37205
                    Telecopy:   (615) 344-6276
                    Attention:  Mr. Scott L. Mercy
                                Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
     with a copy to:

                    LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.
                    4525 Harding Road
                    Suite 103
                    Nashville, Tennessee  37205
                    Telecopy:   (615) 344-6272
                    Attention:  William F. Carpenter III, Esq.
                                Senior Vice President and General Counsel

                                     -48-
<PAGE>

          If to Triad, to

                    Triad Hospitals, Inc.
                    13455 Noel Road
                    20th Floor
                    Dallas, Texas  75240
                    Telecopy:    (972) 663-3945
                    Attention:   Mr. James D. Shelton
                                 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

     with a copy to:

                    Triad Hospitals, Inc.
                    13455 Noel Road
                    20th Floor
                    Dallas, Texas  75240
                    Telecopy:    (972) 701-9604
                    Attention:   Donald P. Fay, Esq.
                                 Executive Vice President and General Counsel

          In each case, with a copy to:

                    Dewey Ballantine LLP
                    1301 Avenue of the Americas
                    New York, New York  10019-6092
                    Telecopy:    (212) 259-6333
                    Attention:   Morton A. Pierce, Esq.

Any party may change the person and address to which notices or other
communications are to be sent to it by giving written notice of any such change
in the manner provided herein.

          Section 11.7.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, together with the
                         ----------------
Ancillary Agreements and the exhibits and other documents delivered pursuant
hereto, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto
in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby, and supersedes all prior
agreements, arrangements and understandings relating to the subject matter
hereof. No party hereto has relied upon any oral or written statement,
representation, warranty, covenant, condition, understanding or agreement made
by any other party or any representative, agent or employee thereof, except for
those expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the exhibits or other
documents delivered pursuant hereto. Nothing herein is intended to diminish any
of the rights or obligations of any of the parties pursuant to the Tax
Agreement, the Insurance Allocation and Administration Agreement, the Employee
Benefits Agreement, any of the other Ancillary Agreements or any Conveyancing
and Assumption Instrument.

                                     -49-
<PAGE>

          Section 11.8.   Assignment.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
                          ----------
of, and be binding upon, the parties hereto and their respective successors,
heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and permitted assigns;
provided, however, that no assignment of any rights or delegation of any
obligations provided for herein shall be made by any party hereto without the
express prior written consent of each other party hereto; provided, further,
that only the signatures of Columbia/HCA and LifePoint shall be required to
effect an assignment in a manner which affects only the rights and obligations
hereunder as between Columbia/HCA and LifePoint, and only the signatures of
Columbia/HCA and Triad shall be required to effect an assignment in a manner
which affects only the rights and obligations hereunder as between Columbia/HCA
and Triad. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnification by Columbia/HCA of
the LifePoint Indemnitees and the Triad Indemnitees in respect of the
Indemnified Matters provided for herein and the indemnification of LifePoint and
Triad in respect of Pre-Distribution Cost Reports shall not be assignable, and
no party shall request that Columbia/HCA consent to any such assignment.

          Section 11.9.   Survival of Agreements and Covenants.  Except as
                          ------------------------------------
otherwise expressly provided herein, all agreements and covenants of the parties
hereto which are contained in this Agreement, together with the exhibits and
other documents delivered pursuant hereto, shall survive the Distribution and
remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation
heretofore or hereafter made by or on behalf of any of the parties hereto.

          Section 11.10.  No Third Party Beneficiaries.  Except as provided in
                          ----------------------------
Article V above (relating to Indemnitees), this Agreement is solely for the
---------
benefit of the parties hereto, and should not be construed to confer upon any
other person any remedy, claim, liability, right of reimbursement, claim of
action or other right.

          Section 11.11.  Waiver.  No delay or omission by any party hereto to
                          ------
exercise any right or power under this Agreement or pursuant to applicable law
shall impair such right or power or be construed as a waiver thereof. A waiver
by any party hereto of any of the covenants to be performed by any other party
or any breach shall not be construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach or
of any other covenant. All rights and remedies conferred under this Agreement or
by any other instrument or law shall be cumulative and may be exercised
singularly or concurrently. The failure by either party to enforce any term
shall not be deemed to be a waiver of future enforcement of that or any other
term of this Agreement.

          Section 11.12.  Severability.  In the event that any provision hereof
                          ------------
is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such provision shall, as to
such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or
affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other
jurisdiction.

          Section 11.13.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be
                          -------------
made in and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and
in

                                     -50-
<PAGE>

accordance with the law of the State of Delaware without regard to the conflict
of law principles thereof.

          Section 11.14.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any
                          ------------
number of separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an
original, but which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

          Section 11.15.  Headings.  The section headings contained in this
                          --------
Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has duly executed this
Agreement, or has caused this Agreement to be duly executed, as of the date
first above written.


                              Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation


                              By:/s/ Thomas F. Frist, Jr.
                                 -----------------------------------------
                                        Thomas F. Frist, Jr., M.D.
                                 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


                              LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.


                              By:/s/ Scott L. Mercy
                                 ----------------------------------------
                                           Scott L. Mercy
                                 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


                              Triad Hospitals, Inc.


                              By:/s/ James D. Shelton
                                 ---------------------------------------
                                           James D. Shelton
                                 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                     -51-
<PAGE>

                               List of Exhibits

                Exhibit                Description
                -------                -----------

               Exhibit A         Ancillary Agreements
               Exhibit B         LifePoint By-laws
               Exhibit C         LifePoint Certificate of Incorporation
               Exhibit D         Columbia/HCA Insurance Coverages
               Exhibit E         LifePoint Properties
               Exhibit F         Triad By-laws
               Exhibit G         Triad Certificate of Incorporation
               Exhibit H         Triad Properties
               Exhibit I         Certain Guarantees
               Exhibit J         Certain Accounting Matters

               Annex A           1998 EBITDA by Hospital

                                      A-1