An OB/GYN physician from Salem, Ore., believes Salem Hospital breached a settlement agreement struck in 2009 and is intentionally preventing her practice from growing, according to a Lund Report.
Elizabeth Harmon, MD, sued Salem Hospital in 2007, alleging it used its monopoly power to shut down her clinic. The parties settled out of court in 2009. As part of the settlement, the hospital agreed to credential any physicians Dr. Harmon hired for her practice just like everyone else.
Last year, Dr. Harmon hired a physician with a spotless and solid record. The hospital didn’t accept the hired physician’s application and would not explain why. Dr. Harmon says this not only breaches the contract but is unfair trade practice, particularly since the hospital credentialed four other OB/GYNs for their own practice during the same time they turned away Dr. Harmon’s physician.
A hospital spokesperson declined comment, saying Salem Hospital cannot discuss legal issues.
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