Lawmakers in Oregon heard testimony this week from emergency physicians worried about the impact of a major staffing change at hospitals in Lane County, Oregon.
Two leaders from Eugene Emergency Physicians (EEP) addressed the Oregon Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs during a hearing in Salem, Oregon. They raised concerns about PeaceHealth’s decision to replace their group with the Georgia-based medical staffing company ApolloMD.
EEP has staffed emergency departments at PeaceHealth hospitals in the region for 35 years. Their contract is set to end June 30, with ApolloMD expected to take over July 1 through a new entity called Lane Emergency Physicians LLC.
EEP co-vice president Dr. Julie Seo urged lawmakers to consider whether transitions involving emergency departments should require state review, citing concerns about emergency preparedness and public safety.
Her colleague Dr. Jeremy Brown told lawmakers the emergency department at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend handles about 85,000 visits each year, making it one of the busiest in the state.
The hearing was convened by James Manning Jr., a Democratic state senator from Eugene who chairs the committee. Manning criticized PeaceHealth’s decision and said lawmakers need to examine the issue more closely.
Other officials also voiced concern. Floyd Prozanski questioned whether ApolloMD’s business structure complies with Oregon’s corporate practice of medicine law, created under Oregon Senate Bill 951, which restricts private equity influence in medical practices.
Meanwhile, Lisa Reynolds, a pediatrician and state senator from Portland, called the potential transition “terrifying” for both patients and medical staff.
PeaceHealth executives say the decision was made after a competitive selection process and argue ApolloMD brings experience in managing large emergency departments. The company currently provides staffing for more than 100 emergency departments nationwide.
Several groups have urged PeaceHealth to reconsider the move, including the Oregon College of Emergency Physicians, the Oregon Nursing Association and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle.
Lawmakers said the issue may still face further scrutiny as officials determine whether the transition complies with state law and whether additional oversight is needed.
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