The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has approved a request by Hackensack University Medical Center to accept certificate of need applications to build a new hospital in Bergen Country, moving forward Hackensack's plans to reopen Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood, N.J., according to a The Record report.
Hackensack planned to reopen Pascack Valley Hospital through a joint venture with LHP Hospital Group. However, the two are now in a legal battle over the expiration date of the Westwood hospital's license.
The move by the health department to accept new applications for a CON will allow Hackensack to advance its plans without delaying for the outcome of the legal proceedings, which would determine if Hackensack could use an existing license to reopen the hospital or if a new CON would be required.
A representative for the state health department stressed that opening the application process does not mean a hospital will be approved. Competing hospitals in the area, which oppose Hackensack's plans, will be able to voice their opinions before a decision is made.
Read The Record report on Hackensack University Medical Center's plans to reopen Pascack Valley Hospital.
Read more coverage of Hackensack University Medical Center:
- Hackensack University Medical Center Files Petition to Re-Open Hospital
- New Jersey's Hackensack University Medical Center Names COO
Hackensack planned to reopen Pascack Valley Hospital through a joint venture with LHP Hospital Group. However, the two are now in a legal battle over the expiration date of the Westwood hospital's license.
The move by the health department to accept new applications for a CON will allow Hackensack to advance its plans without delaying for the outcome of the legal proceedings, which would determine if Hackensack could use an existing license to reopen the hospital or if a new CON would be required.
A representative for the state health department stressed that opening the application process does not mean a hospital will be approved. Competing hospitals in the area, which oppose Hackensack's plans, will be able to voice their opinions before a decision is made.
Read The Record report on Hackensack University Medical Center's plans to reopen Pascack Valley Hospital.
Read more coverage of Hackensack University Medical Center:
- Hackensack University Medical Center Files Petition to Re-Open Hospital
- New Jersey's Hackensack University Medical Center Names COO