Pennsylvania Rep. Craig Williams is pushing efforts to purchase and reopen facilities such as Upland, Pa.-based Crozer-Chester Medical Center after it closed May 2 due to Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings’ closure of Upland-based Crozer Health.
On June 24, Mr. Williams filed a freestanding bill and an amendment to the state budget to develop the Hospital Acquisition Assistance Fund, which would put $200 million toward buying and reopening hospitals that have shuttered due to “failed private equity takeovers,” including Crozer-Chester Medical Center, according to a June 24 news release.
“We passed legislation earlier this month to give the Attorney General review authority over future private equity acquisitions, but that will not reopen Crozer or restore emergency care access for the families in my district,” Mr. Williams said in the release. “This proposal is about reopening the doors and helping the community recover.”
The Hospital Acquisition Assistance Fund would be part of the Department of Community and Economic Development. Mr. Williams introduced it through two legislative paths: as a House Bill 1330 amendment or as a freestanding bill that would seek larger colleague support.
