I would like to share an update regarding our proposed partnership with Santiam Hospital & Clinics. After the Oregon Health Authority received our emergency exemption application, the Oregon Department of Justice announced they plan to move forward with a public hearing to solicit additional input related to the transaction.
This starts a new process, one that no other healthcare provider has been directed to undergo previously. This is an unprecedented action by ODOJ, to intervene directly in a process that has historically been delegated to OHA. And the timing of ODOJ's intervention, which delays approval of the proposed partnership, puts Santiam's ability to continue to operate at grave risk.
Since our original filing in January, Santiam’s financial condition has deteriorated rapidly, becoming an acute financial and patient care emergency. Any delays, or conditions, by the state will seriously jeopardize our ability to rescue Santiam from insolvency.
The hearing is currently scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m., several days after the Saturday, Aug. 1, deadline to preserve care in the Canyon.
Below, you’ll see a statement we shared with the media. My goal continues to be transparency as we urge the state to make the right decision to preserve access to care.
I will continue to update you with information about this process.