Maine lawmakers are considering a bill that would place a five-year moratorium on private equity firms and real estate investment trusts acquiring hospitals, Maine Public reported May 6.
The bill’s lead sponsor, Sen. Mike Tipping, said the moratorium would protect the state’s hospitals from being scrapped and sold for parts as we also work to make sure they have the support they need to continue providing vital services to Maine people,” according to the report.
The legislation would not affect the proposed sale of Central Maine Healthcare to Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, according to the report. The system is being acquired by Prime Healthcare Foundation, the nonprofit arm of for-profit Prime Healthcare. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2025.
The proposed legislation received support from physicians and consumer advocate groups during a May 6 committee hearing, according to the report. No one spoke in opposition to the proposal, but some committee members questioned whether a moratorium would impede financially struggling hospitals that need to sell in order to stay open.
