Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit against a U.S. Senate committee for pursuing contempt charges against him. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, targets members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, who chairs the committee that has been investigating Steward's bankruptcy.
The lawsuit alleges that the committee members are violating de la Torre's constitutional rights by attempting to compel him to answer questions about Steward's bankruptcy. It claims that the committee's actions are an effort to punish de la Torre for invoking his Fifth Amendment right not to self-incriminate.
De la Torre is seeking a court declaration that all actions related to the enforcement of the subpoena are invalid and unconstitutional, including the recent Senate approval of a criminal contempt resolution against him.
De la Torre is set to step down as CEO of Steward, a network of approximately 30 hospitals across the country. The company has faced scrutiny for its troubled financial history, prompting investigations by elected officials in New England.
Despite the legal battle, de la Torre's spokesperson announced his amicable departure from Steward, emphasizing his commitment to advocating for improved reimbursement rates for underprivileged patients.
Sen. Sanders has criticized de la Torre for alleged greed and harm caused to hospitals and patients nationwide. Steward's closure of pediatric wards, neonatal units, and maternity services at various locations has raised concerns among lawmakers.
Attorneys for de la Torre have defended him, attributing the issues to systemic failures in the healthcare system rather than individual misconduct. They have expressed willingness for de la Torre to testify at a later date.
Recent developments include the Massachusetts government seizing a hospital previously operated by Steward to ensure its continued operation under new ownership. This action follows the closure of two other Steward-managed hospitals in the state due to the inability to find qualified buyers during bankruptcy proceedings.
