Amedisys Inc., Baton Rouge, La., reported net income of $1.3 million, or 42 cents a share, for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, compared to a loss of $24.9 million, or $8.12 a share, the year before.

Officials attributed the results to the company's restructuring efforts, which resulted in the purchase of eight home health care agencies and the sale of three outpatient surgeries.

"The past year has been one of great challenges, as well as accomplishments," said William F. Borne, chairman and CEO. "We are continuing our focused efforts to be come a play home health nursing company."

Borne said the company expects to incur losses during the three quarters of 2000, but added, "We believe that Amedisys is on target to becoming profitable from operations with the implementation of the prospective payment system scheduled for Oct. 1, 2000.