Hospital Workers Push Prince George's Hospital Bill

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
More than 100 members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East will stand with state and local leaders today in Annapolis to call for passage of HB 1039 to create an authority to run the financially troubled hospital system in Prince George's County. The Maryland General Assembly's House Government Operations Committee will hear testimony on HB 1039 at 1P today.  The legislation will create an authority to run Prince George's hospitals, which include Prince George's Hospital Center, Bowie Heath Center, Laurel Regional Hospital and associated healthcare facilities. The system has been financially troubled for years due to a high rate of non-reimbursed care. "While a long-term solution for the hospitals has been sought, the system's owner – Prince George's County – has failed to produce a viable plan or stability for the much-needed healthcare facilities," said John Reid, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Maryland Division.