Florence hospital closes without notifying state
Jun 21, 2012, 7:52 AM | Updated: 8:10 am
FLORENCE, Ariz. — State health officials said a Florence hospital failed to
notify them in advance that the facility was shutting its doors for good.
The Arizona Republic reports the Arizona Department of
Health Services said Wednesday it is considering whether to pursue any
enforcement action against Florence Community Hospital.
The agency said it learned of the 23-bed hospital’s closure on the day it took
place. Arizona law requires state-licensed hospitals notify the health
department 30 days before closing.
Florence Mayor Tom Rankin said the hospital closed Monday because of a lack of
stable financing.
Representatives for Florence Community Healthcare did not return interview
requests Wednesday.
The Pinal County hospital opened in July 2010 and employed 150 people.
Officials have verified the hospital’s patients were transferred to other
health-care facilities.
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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com