Baltimore-based University of Maryland Medical System's Board Chair Stephen Burch is resigning, along with two other board members.
Mr. Burch, who has served two terms as chair and one year on an expired term, will step down from the role, effective July 1. Kevin O'Connor is also resigning, effective July 1, and Scott Rifkin, MD, resigned, effective immediately.
Dr. Rifkin is the founder and executive chairman of Real Time Medical Systems, which had entered into an agreement with University of Maryland Medical System to use its software for a pilot program that aimed to reduce hospital readmissions.
"Dr. Rifkin's resignation advances the effort to prevent conflicts and increase transparency," a press release from the medical system states. Dr. Rifkin told Becker's Hopital Review that he resigned early out of an "abundance of caution," to ensure there was no violation of state law.
The resignations come as the medical system deals with the fallout of a scandal involving board members who profited from deals with the health system while serving on the board. Most prominently, former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh resigned from the board in March, along with two others. She recently resigned as mayor as well.
Robert A. Chrencik, president and CEO of the medical system, also resigned a little over a week ago, after being placed on leave March 25.
Editor's note: The article was updated May 8 at 11:43 a.m. to include a note about Dr. Rifkin's decision to resign immediately.