Contempt Charges Anticipated
The Senate Health Committee voted unanimously to hold in civil and criminal contempt for skipping a subpoenaed testimony regarding 's bankruptcy and its impact on patient care.
If the full Senate agrees, de la Torre could face a civil suit and criminal charges, potentially leading to a fine and imprisonment for failing to comply with the subpoena.
Allegations and Responses
Allegations against de la Torre include mismanagement leading to "third-world medicine" conditions in hospitals, patient deaths, and significant executive compensation amidst financial collapse.
De la Torre's legal team argued that testifying would violate his Fifth Amendment rights, suggesting he could become a scapegoat for systemic healthcare failures. Meanwhile, Senate members criticized Steward's impact on communities and patient care.