The Senate Well being, Schooling, Labor and Pensions Committee “will hear from sufferers, medical professionals, and neighborhood members whose lives have been impacted” by Ralph de la Torre, Sanders mentioned in a press release.
The committee in July issued a subpoena to compel de la Torre to testify in regards to the failure of Steward Well being Care. Steward filed for chapter in Might and has been making an attempt to promote all 30 of its hospitals throughout eight states.
A federal decide earlier this week authorized the sale of six of the system’s hospitals in Massachusetts, however two others closed after no patrons have been discovered. The approval marks the tip of the saga in Massachusetts, which threatened entry to hospital look after sufferers within the state.
Democrats and different critics mentioned the case of Steward and de la Torre is a primary instance in regards to the risks of personal fairness involvement in well being care.
De la Torre this week informed senators he won’t testify till chapter proceedings are resolved, drawing bipartisan ire and calls to maintain him in contempt of Congress.
“Dr. de la Torre might be held accountable for his greed and the harm he has induced the American folks and our nation’s well being care system,” Sanders mentioned. “Is it my hope that Dr. de la Torre will do the precise factor, change his thoughts, and be part of our listening to to supply testimony? Sure. However let me be clear: With or with out him, this listening to goes ahead.”
De la Torre additionally refused invites to testify at a Boston subject listening to earlier this 12 months.