Investigation Launched into Memorial Medical Center for Alleged Patient Discrimination

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced an investigation into Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, following allegations that the hospital turned away low-income and indigent patients, including those with cancer. This inquiry stems from a June NBC News report highlighting concerns about the hospital's compliance with state laws regarding care for needy patients. The investigation will scrutinize Memorial's patient policies and their adherence to New Mexico statutes. Barbara Quarrell, a former nurse at the hospital, shared her experience of being denied care after her cancer diagnosis in 2022, expressing relief that the investigation is finally taking place. In response, a spokeswoman for Memorial Medical Center stated that the hospital was surprised by the announcement of the investigation during the attorney general's press conference. The hospital is operated by Lifepoint Health, which is currently under scrutiny from two U.S. Senate inquiries related to its practices. The investigation will also assess whether Memorial misrepresented its healthcare services for low-income patients. Recent census data indicates that nearly 15% of the 225,000 residents in Doña Ana County lack health insurance, raising concerns about access to care. Hospital documents reveal that Memorial has a longstanding policy aimed at providing care to those unable to pay, yet the effectiveness of this policy is now in question. The growing influence of private-equity firms in the healthcare sector, with nearly a quarter of New Mexico's hospitals under their control, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Critics argue that these firms prioritize profits over patient care, potentially exacerbating issues of access and equity in healthcare services.