The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution aimed at holding Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre in criminal contempt for his failure to testify before a Senate panel. The resolution was approved by unanimous consent.
A Senate committee investigating the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care had adopted the resolution after de la Torre refused to attend a committee hearing despite being subpoenaed. The resolution has now been referred to the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia for potential criminal prosecution.
The committee sought de la Torre's testimony to explain the deaths of 15 patients due to medical equipment shortages, as well as the endangerment of 2,000 other patients. Questions were also raised about the substantial compensation received by de la Torre and his companies amidst allegations of financial mismanagement.
Steward Health Care, a Texas-based company operating approximately 30 hospitals nationwide, filed for bankruptcy in May. Efforts to sell several hospitals in Massachusetts have been ongoing, with two hospitals already closed due to inadequate bids.
Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts criticized Steward's leadership for prioritizing profit over patient care, leading to hospital closures, staff struggles, and patient harm. Testimony from a nurse highlighted instances of preventable harm under Steward's management, including a distressing incident involving bereavement boxes for deceased newborns.
The Senate's actions reflect a broader concern over the impact of Steward Health Care's operations on communities and healthcare delivery. The resolution to hold de la Torre in contempt underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for accountability in healthcare management.
