AG to approve sale of two RI hospitals, with conditions

Roger Williams Medical Center. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s attorney general says he will approve the sale of two hospitals under certain conditions, including that current ownership puts $80 million in escrow to ensure that the hospitals stay viable for at least five years.

The $80 million is significantly less than what Attorney General Peter Neronha had sought in April from Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based company that owns Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.

Neronha had required Prospect to put up to $150 million in escrow, an amount a company spokesperson said could lead to the closure of both hospitals.

A message seeking comment was left with a Prospect spokesperson.

Flanked by staff members, Attorney General Peter Neronha announces his conditions to allow for the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Fatima Hospital on June 1, 2021. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News