County Hospital Answers Rival’s Suit
Responding to a lawsuit by a nearby hospital, Ventura County Medical Center says it has the right to treat not only poor people, but also those who have full private insurance.
The medical center filed the statement in answer to a lawsuit by Community Memorial Hospital that accuses the public hospital of illegally recruiting non-indigent patients.
“The primary theme is that there is no legal basis for the complaint,” Assistant County Counsel Noel Klebaum said. “The county is authorized to treat any patient it wishes to treat.”
The two hospitals, which are just a few blocks apart in Ventura, have been feuding bitterly for nearly two years.
In the spring, Community Memorial fought to block a $38-million outpatient wing proposed at the county hospital. The state has pledged to fund 70% of the cost.
In the lawsuit, filed in July, Community Memorial is asking that a judge block the county from accepting privately insured patients and force it to handle more patients who are unable to pay.
A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled Nov. 21.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
