Professional Documents
Culture Documents
News Releases
For Release: Immediate Monday, December 08, 2008 Contact: Jason Butkowski (609) 292-5215
community have every right to appeal the decision to close a local hospital. But out primary focus has to be on the continuation of health care services for the community in need. Senator Vitale noted that the appeal over the closure of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield stood as the perfect example for the need to change the existing system. In 2007, operating losses at Muhlenberg had become unsustainable, and Muhlenbergs parent company, Solaris Health System, applied with the Department of Health for a Certificate of Need to close the Medical Center, so as not to jeopardize care at Solariss other affiliates. Muhlenbergs Certificate of Need was approved and the hospital closed its doors to inpatients on August 13. However, more than a month after Muhlenberg closed acute care services, a third-party group representing the City of Plainfield, Peoples Organization for Progress, and the Save Muhlenberg group filed an appeal. According to Senator Vitale, because the appeals process is ongoing, Muhlenberg cannot access financial assistance intended for closing hospitals, and as a result, safety net programs at Muhlenberg, and the financial integrity of Solariss other affiliates, may now be in jeopardy. Regardless of your opinion on whether or not Muhlenberg should be closed, New Jersey needs to ensure that the financial insolvency that lead to the hospitals problems doesnt spread to other health care affiliates under Solaris, said Senator Vitale. We need to do what we can to isolate the problem, and ensure that people in the community served by a closing hospital still have access to quality health care. This bill would act as a needed shut-off valve to protect the integrity of the rest of the health care system when a hospital begins the process of closing its doors to the public. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
12/15/2008 Vitale Bill To Ease Economic Pressures On Closing Hospitals Receives Final Legislative Approval 12/8/2008 Vitale Bill To Ease Economic Pressures On Closing Hospitals Approved
Vitale Bill To Ease Economic Pressures On Closing Hospitals Receives Final Legislative Approval Vitale Bill To Ease Economic Pressures On Closing Hospitals Approved
12/8/2008