ALERJ Wants Intervention in Rio’s Private Hospitals Refusing to Treat Covid-19 Patients

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (ALERJ) passed in a single debate bill 2.261/20, which authorizes the State Government to interfere in the private health network in the event of a refusal to treat patients with severe cases of coronavirus through fair compensation to be agreed by contract. The text will be sent to Governor Wilson Witzel, who must either sanction or veto it within 15 working days.

The refusal to attend may occur when the unit is short of supplies or due to lack of medical conditions determined and justified by a board of at least three professionals. The private facilities’ expenses must be paid by the State, using the Single Health System (SUS) table of permitted payments. The measure will be effective for the duration of the novel coronavirus contingency plan.

The original author of the proposal is Deputy Martha Rocha. Also signing the project as co-authors are Deputies Vandro Família, Marcelo Cabeleireiro, Anderson Alexandre, Valdecy da Saúde, Eliomar Coelho, Waldeck Carneiro, Dionísio Lins, Bebeto, Brazão, Lucinha, Max Lemos, Carlos Minc, Danniel Librleon, Renato Cozzolino, Capitão Paulo Teixeira, Anderson Alexandre, Enfermeira Rejane, Monica Francisco, Marcio Canella and Giovani Ratinho.