Courts could appoint managers for hospitals closed without state approval

The state health department, attorney general, or local government where the hospital sits could seek a court-appointed manager. It covers a general hospital the health commissioner finds closed without state approval to close, or about to close without applying for that approval. The commissioner must notify the attorney general and local government. Applying for closure approval and restoring all stopped services while the state decides would be a defense. If enacted, this process would start immediately, and the court would hear a filed case within three calendar days.

The court could appoint a manager to run the hospital in the case or direct its current manager to restore stopped services. The manager would oversee the hospital named in the court case and help maintain care for its patients. The health department must approve the appointee, who cannot have a financial stake in the hospital licensee or be a family member of someone who does. Hospital revenue would cover reasonable pay and expenses. If the appointee finds financial trouble may force closure, they must apply for state approval to close. After finding an urgent need, the court could give the appointee those powers immediately.