In November, the Department of Health ruled HCA’s Orange Park (Fla.) Medical Center, Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, Fla., and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson, Fla., could develop new trauma centers. The Department also gave the green light to a trauma center at Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami-Dade County.
The three hospitals appealing the decision — which would be competitors of the new Tampa- and Jacksonville-area centers — claim the determination was made without the opportunity to challenge the decision.
St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa is also expected to file a similar appeal, according to the report.
In September, an administrative law judge ruled the Department uses outdated methodology in approving new centers in a case brought by HCA’s competitors in the Jacksonville and Tampa area. However, the Department appealed that decision and said it would approve the centers while the case is pending, according to a News4 report.
Related Articles on Trauma Centers:
HCA Florida Gains Approval for New Trauma Centers
Miami-Area Hospitals Battle Over Trauma Center Development
HCA, USF Health Sign Six Year Affiliation Agreement for Trauma Services
