1 Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (i) Form S-8 No. 333-78221 pertaining to the LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. Retirement Plan; (ii) Form S-8 No. 333-78187 pertaining to the LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan; (iii) Form S-8 No. 333-78185 pertaining to the LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. Management Stock Purchase Plan and LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. Outside Director's Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan; and (iv) Form S-3 No. 333-42634 pertaining to LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. of our report dated January 29, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. included in the LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Nashville, Tennessee March 13, 2001