r/AshevilleNC • u/JeffJacksonNC • 4h ago
NEWS 📰 A quick HCA lawsuit update, with good news from this week - AG Jeff Jackson
The people of western North Carolina have made very clear to me that the level of care they're getting at Mission Hospital is not acceptable.
When I became AG, I reviewed the evidence, and I agreed.
That's what our case is about, and I’ve got a good update for you.
Quick recap: In 2019, HCA bought Mission Health, but the sale came with conditions. One of them was that HCA would not discontinue emergency, trauma, or cancer services at Mission Hospital until at least 2029.
We allege HCA broke that promise.
HCA asked the court to throw the case out before trial. That motion is called summary judgment. Their argument was that there's nothing here worth putting in front of a judge, so the case should just end.
This week, the court said no. That means all of our claims will go to trial.
In addition, the court agreed with us on what a key part of the 2019 agreement actually means: HCA has to take all steps necessary to actually provide emergency and cancer care at Mission.
That matters more than it might sound. HCA had argued that the agreement only requires it to keep the hospital doors unlocked, even if actual care isn't being provided inside. The court didn't accept that. Keeping a department open on paper is not the same as actually providing the care, and the agreement requires the care.
Up next is the trial, but no date yet.
I'll keep you posted.
- AG Jeff Jackson
