Sen. Gordon Statement on OHS Proposed Final Decision on Johnson Memorial Hospital Inpatient Labor & Delivery Services
January 17, 2024State Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock), member of the Public Health Committee, today applauded the state Office of Health Strategy’s proposed decision to deny Johnson Memorial Hospital’s Certificate of Need (CON) application to terminate its inpatient labor and delivery services.
“This decision is good news for the residents of our district. It is important to keep inpatient labor and delivery services, as well as maternal and women’s reproductive healthcare, local. As a doctor and state senator, this is an issue I have been fighting for.
“Expectant mothers, and families, rely on Johnson Memorial’s maternal care because of its accessibility in our rural area and its quality. While there are certainly other opinions on this proposed decision, I commend Johnson Memorial for being a leader on expanding many needed outpatient services in our community. I will continue to work cooperatively with Johnson Memorial and Trinity Health of New England’s leadership and staff on the healthcare needs of our region. Thank you to local legislators and town officials for their bipartisan partnership to address this issue and the concerns of the people that we represent,” said Sen. Gordon.
Background:
- Johnson Memorial Hospital applied for a CON through OHS to terminate inpatient labor and delivery services in 2022.
- A public hearing was held on May 10, 2023, pursuant to state law.
- In its Jan. 16 letter to Johnson Memorial Hospital, OHS stated that “The Applicant bears the burden of proof in this matter by a preponderance of the evidence. Jones v. Connecticut Medical Examining Board, 309 Conn. 727 (2013).”
- OHS concluded that the hospital failed to meet this burden of proof in satisfying four of six applicable criteria set forth by Connecticut law.
- Sen. Gordon’s 2023 public testimony on Johnson Memorial Hospital’s CON application can be read here.
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Matt Fraulino
Press Secretary
Senate Republican Office
860-240-8832
