Additional Coverage:
Senate Moves to Hold CEO in Contempt
The U.S. Senate has approved a resolution to criminally charge Ralph de la Torre, CEO of Steward Health Care. The move comes after de la Torre refused to testify before a Senate committee investigating the company’s bankruptcy.
Concerns Raised over Patient Safety
Senators allege that Steward Health Care’s actions have endangered patients. They cite reports of 15 deaths due to equipment shortages or staffing issues and 2,000 patients placed in "immediate peril."
Financial Mismanagement Questioned
The committee seeks to understand how de la Torre and his companies received millions in compensation while patients and healthcare workers faced hardship. Senators also question the company’s financial mismanagement, which has led to hospital closures and service reductions.
CEO Defends Rights
De la Torre’s attorney claims that testifying would violate his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. He has offered to testify later.
Bankruptcy and Hospital Closures
Steward Health Care, which operates 30 hospitals nationwide, filed for bankruptcy in May. The company has sold some hospitals but has faced difficulties in selling others, leading to closures.
Nurses Testify to Patient Neglect
Nurses have testified that Steward’s management resulted in preventable harm and deaths. They reported incidents such as a lack of bereavement boxes for deceased newborns, forcing nurses to use cardboard boxes.