HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has pledged to explore all aspects of Kaleida Health’s actions relating to the closure and failed sale of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and The Pavillion nursing facility, according to PA State Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter).
The lawmakers met with senior leadership in the office to discuss concerns relating to potential anti-trust violations due to Kaleida’s insistence on a non-compete clause in any contract involving the sale of BRMC and The Pavillion, as well as issues surrounding the original charitable purpose of Bradford Hospital and the treatment of its charitable assets by Kaleida.
“The situation facing patients throughout the entire Bradford region is unacceptable, particularly when you consider Kaledia’s significant reductions in life-saving healthcare services – most notably the closing of Bradford Regional’s emergency room,” said Dush. “Given the serious implications for preserving healthcare competition and rural healthcare access, I am grateful for the PA Attorney General’s Office prompt response and commitment to thoroughly examine all relevant materials and documents to determine whether further investigation of Kaleida Health’s failure to work with community and local leaders is warranted.”
“Our community is suffering and lives are being placed at risk due to Kaleida’s self-serving decisions to close our local hospital and then refuse to sell it to any other health care provider without a non-compete clause as part of the transaction,” Causer said. “Attorney General Dave Sunday and his team are clearly well aware of the ongoing issues we are facing, and I greatly appreciate their commitment to comprehensively review Kaleida’s actions and further explore what options may exist to help us.”
The lawmakers say they are continuing to work in conjunction with county and local officials and business and healthcare leaders as part of the Healthcare Access Team in pursuit of sustainable and affordable healthcare solutions for the region.
CONTACT: Ty McCauslin, 717-787-7084