STATEMENT
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
KEEP OUR HOSPITALS HEALTHY.org

This week, we received word that New Jersey Commissioner of Health and Senior Services Heather Howard has notified Hackensack University Medical Center that its recent request to extend Pascack Valley Hospital’s license beyond its expiration date of December 28, 2009, has been denied.

As had been reported, Hackensack had argued that the Permit Extension Act of 2008, applied to the Pascack Valley Hospital license and that they should be granted an extension.  In her letter to Hackensack, Commissioner Howard stated that the Permit Extension Act is not applicable because Hackensack has failed to gain Certificate of Need approval to open a hospital before the expiration of the hospital license.  In addition, Commissioner Howard stated that it was clear that the Permit Extension Act was intended for the physical development of property and not designed to extend licenses.  Lastly, she stated that Hackensack is outside of the timeframe for which they could have requested modifications to the letter detailing the closure of Pascack Valley Hospital.

The notification to Hackensack included the provision of the right to appeal a decision within 45 days and we currently expect that Hackensack will file an appeal.  It is our understanding, however, that the court grants considerable weight to an administrative decision, making it unlikely for the court to overturn the Department’s decision.

We are encouraged by this news as it reinforces our fundamental message of the importance of rational healthcare planning and maintaining a strong and healthy healthcare system for all Bergen County residents.  We will continue to keep you advised on this important issue and we thank you for your continued support.