Steward Health Care CEO sues Senate panel over contempt charges

In Boston, Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre has initiated legal action against a U.S. Senate committee that sought contempt charges against him for not complying with a subpoena. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, names members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, including its chair, Sen. Bernie Sanders. De la Torre argues that the committee's actions infringe upon his constitutional rights, particularly his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. He contends that the committee's attempts to compel him to testify about Steward's bankruptcy are punitive in nature. The lawsuit follows a vote by the Senate to approve a contempt resolution against de la Torre, which he claims is unconstitutional. His legal team asserts that no individual should be forced to testify when exercising their constitutional rights. De la Torre is stepping down as CEO, having overseen a network of approximately 30 hospitals, and has faced scrutiny due to Steward's financial troubles and hospital closures in various states. Critics, including Sen. Edward Markey, have accused Steward of prioritizing profit over patient care, leading to the closure of essential services in multiple hospitals. In contrast, de la Torre's attorney argues that the issues stem from broader systemic failures in the healthcare system rather than individual wrongdoing. The situation has escalated to the point where Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has intervened to seize a hospital to ensure its continued operation. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions between healthcare executives and government oversight, particularly in the context of financial accountability and patient care standards.