‘Please withdraw bill’

Dear Madam Vice Speaker Janet U. Maratita: I write to you regarding House Bill 20-149, and our shared efforts to improve the quality and accountability of our islands’ sole hospital. The introduction of this bill showcases an admirable concern for our community and your admirable desire to see progress in improve healthcare throughout our islands. For that I thank you for your partnership and commitment.

As you are aware, after nearly 10 years following the creation of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., Public Law 19-78, instituted a board of trustees with the important mandate to govern, manage, and control the corporation in line with the language provided by the law. Following a thorough and exhaustive review of the available candidates to serve in these important roles, I am pleased with the board’s composition and its current direction.

In accordance with the mandates of Public Law 19-78, the board is currently in the process of instituting an assessment of the performance and management of the corporation. I have great faith in CHCC’s board to undertake a thorough and diligent review of the management of the hospital and will act upon their decisions in a manner that will safeguard the day-to-day operations of the corporation.

With that, I am humbly requesting that House Bill 20-149 be recalled from any further action on the floor for the time being and that the board be given the time and opportunity to exercise their authority to fulfill our shared goal of improving health outcomes and accountability within this most critical institution.

I thank and commend you for tirelessly working toward improving our islands’ healthcare, and I look forward to working with you on any future bills aimed at improving our hospital for our community and our cherished healthcare workers.