Steward Health CEO Absent From Congressional Hearing

Dr. Ralph de la Torre, CEO of the bankrupt Steward Health Care, faced criticism for refusing to testify at a Senate hearing regarding his company's financial collapse, which has impacted multiple hospitals in Massachusetts. Despite a subpoena issued in July, de la Torre's absence left lawmakers frustrated as they sought to understand the extent of the company's mismanagement and its implications for patient care. Senator Ed Markey and other committee members are considering holding de la Torre in contempt of Congress, which could result in fines or imprisonment. They argue that the company's focus on profit over patient care led to hospital closures and increased emergency room wait times, ultimately jeopardizing patient safety. Lawmakers are also pushing for new regulations on private equity in healthcare to prevent similar situations in the future. The Senate hearing is set to include testimonies from affected nurses and local politicians, highlighting the widespread consequences of Steward's financial decisions.