Texas Is Poised to Crack Down on Abusive Hospital Owners

Finally, Texas is cracking down on hospital chain owners who use their operating license as a license for financial mayhem. Last week, a breakthrough anti-corruption bill passed in the state Senate and moved on to the House, where we urge lawmakers to toughen it further.Sponsored by Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, SB 267 would allow the state to impose heavier fines on hospitals that violate safety regulations, to temporarily take over mismanaged facilities that face closure and to implement tougher ownership disclosure requirements. And in a last-minute action, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, pushed through an all-important amendment requiring prospective owners to undergo criminal background checks.  Continue reading...