Two healthcare unions voiced their opposition to a state Senate bill that would expedite the process for hospitals seeking nonprofit status in Rhode Island, according to a Rhode Island Public Radio report.
The two unidentified healthcare unions expressed concern that the bill may undermine certain protections outlined under the Hospital Conversions Act.
Under the HCA, regulatory officials must complete their review of a hospital's proposal to convert to nonprofit status within 120 days. Under the proposed bill, state regulators would have to complete the review within 90 days if the acquiring company has operated at least one hospital for a minimum of three years, according to the report.
Officials said the legislation was crafted, in part, to expedite the sale of Pawtucket, R.I.-based Memorial Hospital to Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare Foundation.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin said the bill would not hamper his department's ability to review proposed status conversions. He said any hospital seeking to convert to nonprofit status would still need his approval, as well as approval from the state department of health, according to the report.