Gordon Makes A House Call To Administration With Hospital Legislation

CONNECTICUT — A Connecticut legislative doctor is making a house call right to the governor's door when it comes to bankruptcy proceedings connected to three in-state hospitals.

In response to statements from Gov. Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong regarding Prospect Medical Holdings' Saturday bankruptcy announcement, State Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock) reiterated the "urgency of addressing the systemic issues threatening Connecticut's hospitals."

Said Gordon, "While the administration’s comments are a step in the right direction, I have repeatedly called for action and proposed concrete solutions to prevent such crises."

As both a practicing physician and a state senator serving on the Public Health Committee, Gordon said he wants to emphasize "the need for meaningful reform."

He said, "If the administration is truly committed to protecting patients, healthcare workers, and the long-term viability of our hospitals, they should fully support my proposed Putting Patients Over Profits Act. This legislation directly addresses the root causes of these issues by preventing private equity firms from exploiting hospitals, stopping predatory sale-leaseback schemes, and safeguarding medical professionals from corporate interference. We cannot afford half-measures. The health and well-being of our patients, workers, and communities depend on decisive action now."

On Saturday, Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. commenced with Chapter 11 proceedings to "advance a strategic pathway to realign organizational focus. Though its Connecticut hospitals — Rockville General in Vernon, along with Manchester Memorial and Waterbury — were not mentioned, "proceedings to effectuate expedited sales" of two Rhode Island Hospitals and another in Pennsylvania certainly were.

Rockville and Manchester are operated by Eastern Connecticut Health Network, a subsidiary of Prospect.

All three remained operational amid the announcement, which Gov. Ned Lamont said caught no one off-guard.

"The administration has been preparing for the possibility that Prospect Medical Holdings would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The three hospitals remain open, and we will continue to hold Prospect accountable to provide quality care to the communities that rely on these institutions," Lamont said. "We have a cross-agency team in place to ensure hospital operations continue uninterrupted and that employees and vendors continue to be compensated, as required by court orders. As part of this response, we are in touch with management at these local hospitals, representatives for hospital staff, and local elected officials.

"Our number one priority remains maintaining safety and quality of care at Prospect’s three Connecticut hospitals. We currently have an independent monitor overseeing operations at Waterbury Hospital and will increase oversight at Manchester Hospital. We will continue to work to evaluate opportunities to transfer these institutions to a new operator.

"The state will be monitoring the situation closely and intends to participate in court proceedings to the extent necessary to protect the interests of patients, employees and creditors."

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said he has an eye on the proceedings.

"I am disappointed that Prospect Medical Holdings has decided to file for bankruptcy. However, this changes nothing with regards to their obligations to patient care and safety," Tong said. "My office is watching this matter closely and I intend to actively participate in the proceeding to protect the interests of the state, Prospect's patients, employees, and the communities that rely on its services."