Title
Authorizing the Public Health and Human Services Committee to hold hearings on the transfer of ownership of Somerton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and its impact on the residents and workers at this oft sold facility.
Body
WHEREAS; On January 6th, the current ownership and proposed purchasing entity filed a notice of sale or transfer letter and some documentation in partial fulfillment of City law as proposed and introduced by Council Member Thomas and advanced by both this committee and this Chamber in 2021 as bill 210331; and
WHEREAS; Research has shown repeatedly that the sale or transfer of healthcare facilities routinely has detrimental impacts on patients; and
WHEREAS; The healthcare industry in recent years has been beset by distressed asset sales of healthcare facilities that extract maximum profits from the facilities often at the expense of workers and patients; and
WHEREAS; The Entity created to acquire Somerton Center has not fulfilled its legal disclosure obligations as set forth in Philadelphia City Code Chapter 6 in 6-400; and
WHEREAS; The Philadelphia City Charter responsibilities of City Council include the responsibility to oversee and investigate those areas for which Council has jurisdiction and having recently legislated in this space Council must investigate whether its rule making authority has been followed and if additional rule making including fines, fees, and/or sanction are needed to ensure compliance with the law and the advancement of the public health and welfare; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Philadelphia City Council hold hearings of the Public Health and Safety Committee to ensure compliance with chapter six of the Philadelphia City Code and that the sale of Somerton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and itsit’s impact on the residents and workers at this beleaguered and oft sold facility be determined.
End