SALEM, Ore. — Three Oregon lawmakers are requesting documents from ApolloMD related to its new role overseeing emergency department services at PeaceHealth RiverBend, citing concerns about compliance with a recently passed state law governing the corporate practice of medicine.
In a joint letter, state Reps. Ben Bowman, Lisa Fragala and Nancy Nathanson referenced Senate Bill 951. The law was approved to reinforce long-standing limits on corporate control of medical practices in Oregon.
ApolloMD recently took on a role with Lane Emergency Physicians LLC, which runs emergency department services at PeaceHealth RiverBend.
“We passed this law because Oregonians expect medical decisions to be made in the interest of patients and by clinicians exercising independent professional judgment, not by corporate ownership,” the lawmakers wrote. They said SB 951 was designed to prevent non-clinical corporate control over medical decision-making while preserving legitimate business operations.
The representatives emphasized that their request is not an allegation of wrongdoing, but an effort to ensure transparency and compliance as the law is implemented.
Information Requested
The lawmakers asked ApolloMD to provide documentation demonstrating that its associated Oregon physician entities are structured and managed in compliance with state law, including SB 951.
Specifically, they requested:
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The ownership structure of Lane Emergency Physicians LLC, including the names and Oregon medical license numbers of physician owners.
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Details on the entity’s governance structure, including managers, members, officers or directors, and how they are appointed or removed.
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Ownership and governance structures of any related corporate entities tied to the RiverBend contract, including parent companies and subsidiaries.
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The identity and role of any management services organization involved in Oregon operations.
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Copies of management services agreements and other contracts related to operational authority or reserved powers.
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Documentation outlining who holds ultimate decision-making authority over administrative, business or clinical operations that could affect patient care.
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Information on whether physician owners or leaders receive compensation from any management services organization affiliated with ApolloMD, and the terms of that compensation.
The lawmakers wrote that their goal is to ensure practice structures preserve clinical independence, transparent governance and clear lines of responsibility.
They offered to meet with ApolloMD representatives to discuss the request further.
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