Nemours showed no evidence that a pediatric heart transplant program “would meaningfully and significantly enhance geographic access to transplant services,” Judge W. David Watkins wrote in a 68-page ruling.
Florida currently has five pediatric heart transplant programs, and Nemours is not the only Orlando health system to be rejected for one.
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, part of Orlando Health, applied for the program in 2017 and was denied by the state. The health system challenged the state decision and is undergoing a hearing process.
In the Nemours ruling, Watkins said too many programs for a highly specialized surgery could weaken the care quality across the board.
The ruling comes one year after Nemours Children’s Health System challenged Florida’s decision to deny its application for the program.
“We are disappointed and surprised by the administrative law judge’s recommended order,” a Nemours spokesperson told the Sentinel. “Nemours remains committed to bringing the most advanced pediatric cardiac care to the region. We will further review the judge’s order, address all questions raised and continue to demonstrate why we are convinced the families of Central Florida deserve a program in their area.”
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