(BENTON, IL) — Starting today, doctors at Franklin Hospital in Benton will be responsible for both emergency care and regular patient care during off hours and on the weekends. According to the Southern Illinoisan, The Franklin Hospital Board Friday voted 6 to 1 to amend the hospital’s agreement with emergency room provider Acute Care, Inc, which was voted down Tuesday after board members said more research needed to be done on the subject.  The board did make one adjustment though – it will have to find a solution to its hospitalist problem within 90 days. The board plans to put together a task force to find a long term solution to the hospitalist problem.  Meanwhile, Dr Richard Rethorst will be taking care of hospitalist duties starting today. However, he won’t be able to cover weekends and after hours on weeknights.  Franklin Hospital terminated its agreement with Morthland College Health Services back in February with a six-month notice to discontinue due to financial reasons. That agreement ended Sunday.  Hospital officials say the new arrangement with Acute Care will also increase the provider’s hourly pay by $5, which can be reversed at any time.