Friday, January 08, 2010
Governor Denies Retaliation Claims
WEST VIRGINIA....
Governor Joe Manchin says a northern panhandle health care provider is making "frivolous and baseless" claims. Wheeling-based Northwood Health Systems has notified West Virginia of plans to file a lawsuit in federal court against Governor Manchin and other state officials. Northwood alleges Manchin vowed to "come out swinging" against the company when it began speaking out in favor of a bill in last year's legislative session that would have increased money for behavioral health care. Although the bill passed both the House and Senate, it was vetoed by the governor.
Northwood says it has proof of retaliation. The company says, in 2007 and 2008, it only had five citations from the state. That number grew to 175 in the last nine months. Northwood is appealing a license rejection. The organization has 450 workers who are currently being allowed to continue operations.
Governor Joe Manchin says a northern panhandle health care provider is making "frivolous and baseless" claims. Wheeling-based Northwood Health Systems has notified West Virginia of plans to file a lawsuit in federal court against Governor Manchin and other state officials. Northwood alleges Manchin vowed to "come out swinging" against the company when it began speaking out in favor of a bill in last year's legislative session that would have increased money for behavioral health care. Although the bill passed both the House and Senate, it was vetoed by the governor.
Northwood says it has proof of retaliation. The company says, in 2007 and 2008, it only had five citations from the state. That number grew to 175 in the last nine months. Northwood is appealing a license rejection. The organization has 450 workers who are currently being allowed to continue operations.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:46 AM 
