Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
| (1) | Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-80433) pertaining to the Health Management Associates, Inc. 1996 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan and the Health Management Associates, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors; |
| (2) | Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-53602) pertaining to the Health Management Associates, Inc. 1996 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan; and |
| (3) | Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-132037) pertaining to the Health Management Associates, Inc. 2006 Outside Director Restricted Stock Award Plan; |
of our reports dated February 27, 2013 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Health Management Associates, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Health Management Associates, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2012.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Miami, Florida
February 27, 2013