§ 2801-g. Community forum on hospital closure. 1. No later than thirty
days after the closure of a general hospital, the commissioner shall
hold a public community forum for the purpose of obtaining public input
concerning the anticipated impact of the general hospital's closure on
access to health care services by members of the surrounding community,
including but not limited to recipients of medical assistance for needy
persons, the uninsured, and underserved populations, and options and
proposals to ameliorate such anticipated impact. The commissioner shall
afford community members, health care providers, labor unions, payers,
businesses and consumers a reasonable opportunity to speak about
relevant matters at such community forum.
2. No later than sixty days after holding a community forum pursuant
to subdivision one of this section, the commissioner shall make
available to the public on the department's website information
regarding:
(a) the anticipated impact of the general hospital's closure on access
to health care services by members of the surrounding community,
including but not limited to recipients of medical assistance for needy
persons, the uninsured, and underserved populations;
(b) specific measures the department and other parties have taken or
will take to ameliorate such anticipated impact; and
(c) any further recommendations regarding access to health care
services in communities impacted by the general hospital's closure.
3. A community forum conducted pursuant to this section shall be held
at a location within a reasonable proximity to the general hospital
subject to closure, and shall be announced no less than ten days prior
to the date of such community forum.