Seven members of the Council of the District of Columbia filed a resolution Feb. 16 delaying the council's decision on Washington, D.C.-based United Medical Center's pending $5 million contract with hospital operator Mazars USA, according to the Washington Business Journal.
Here are four things to know about the situation.
1. The seven council members stated they need more time to vet Mazars USA and approve the organization as UMC's new operator. UMC selected Mazars USA to run the facility last month after cutting ties with its former operator, Veritas, last November.
2. The resolution extends the council's review period of UMC's pending contract with Mazars USA for at least another 35 days, according to the report.
3. UMC Board Chairman LaRuby May told the Washington Business Journal via email the board respects the council's decision to file the motion, stating, "We look forward to meeting with Mr. Gray and the other health committee members to discuss the operator selection process. We remain committed to the well-being of UMC patients and the residents of Wards 7 and 8."
4. D.C. officials previously said they hoped to hold a public roundtable discussion with Mazars USA before deciding on the contract. However, Mazars USA declined to participate after a competing bidder for UMC's operating contract filed a protest last week questioning Mazar USA's contract with UMC. Mazars USA officials reportedly told the council it fears making public comments on the pending contract may affect the protest process, the report states.
To access the full report, click here.