AP&S Guides Centers Health Care to Enter Rhode Island Health Care Community
The Challenge:
Centers Health Care, the largest post-acute care provider in New York, owns and operates nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, the largest private ambulance company in New York, and a managed care company. Centers decided it wanted to enter the Rhode Island health care market by acquiring two nursing homes in Superior Court receivership proceedings, and to revitalize and refurbish those nursing home services by consolidating all services at one facility. However, a statewide nursing home bed moratorium would preclude such consolidation and thwart Centers’ plans to add a quality, cost-effective health care provider in Rhode Island with future plans for further expansion throughout the state.
The Solution:
To further Centers’ entrance in the Rhode Island health care market, AP&S arranged introductory meetings with Rhode Island governmental officials responsible for health care projects. In addition, AP&S guided Centers using its litigation, health care, labor, governmental relations and corporate experience and expertise to achieve Centers’ goals. First, AP&S represented Centers in the receivership proceedings and bidding process. Centers was the successful bidder for the two nursing homes. Second, AP&S represented Centers before the Department of Health to obtain the required regulatory approval and before other state agencies in connection with necessary variances for the nursing home licenses, licensing of health care providers and reimbursement issues. Third, AP&S drafted required legislation to allow the consolidation of the nursing home beds at one facility and shepherded the client through the legislative process. Fourth, with the successful passage of the legislation allowing the proposed transaction, AP&S lawyers once again represented Centers before the Department of Health for the required regulatory approval and AP&S corporate lawyers assisted with the closing of the transaction.
The Result:
As a result of the multidisciplinary and coordinated efforts by AP&S lawyers, Centers today owns four nursing homes in Rhode Island, employing 250 employees with a mission to provide high-quality, cost-efficient health care services. Centers looks forward to further expansion in the state and AP&S will continue to advise and guide Centers on regulatory, corporate, employment and litigation law as and when necessary.