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