Birmingham Can't Sue County to Keep Alabama's Cooper Green Hospital Open

The city of Birmingham, Ala., has lost its legal battle to keep Cooper Green Mercy Hospital open, according to a Birmingham News report.

Under Chapter 9 regulations, lawsuits against the county are stayed until the county recoveries from bankruptcy. Birmingham had asked a bankruptcy judge to remove that freeze so it could sue the county in a state court. The city has argued the county is required by Alabama law to provide healthcare to indigent patients.

The county commission voted to stop inpatient and emergency room care at Cooper Green in August and instead offer services for indigent patients through a network of outpatient clinics. Inpatient care would be outsourced to surrounding hospitals, and the county would reimburse those hospitals for the cost.

U.S. bankruptcy Judge Thomas Bennett said the state law does not specify how the county must provide indigent care. He indicated the freeze that prevents lawsuits from being filed against the county would remain in place, according to the report.

More Articles on Hospital Closures:

Infirmary West Hospital in Alabama to Close by Month's End
Assets of Bankrupt Saint Catherine Medical Center Hit Auction Block
E.J. Noble Hospital Lab Closure Forces Shut Down of Other Services


Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars