New Mexico Attorney General Launches Investigation into Memorial Medical Center

New Mexico's Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, has initiated an investigation into Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, following allegations that the hospital, operated by Lifepoint Health, turned away indigent and low-income patients, including those with cancer. This inquiry stems from a June NBC News report that raised concerns about the hospital's compliance with state laws regarding the provision of care to needy patients. The investigation will scrutinize Memorial's patient policies and whether they misrepresented their services for low-income individuals. Barbara Quarrell, a former nurse and cancer patient, expressed her support for the investigation, stating, "It's about time." In response to the investigation, a spokeswoman for Memorial Medical Center expressed surprise at the announcement, emphasizing that the hospital does not deny care. However, previous reports indicated that some patients were turned away without being assessed for financial assistance, raising questions about the hospital's adherence to its own indigent care policy. The hospital, which serves a population of approximately 225,000 in Doña Ana County—where nearly 15% lack health insurance—has been under scrutiny as part of broader concerns regarding the influence of private equity in healthcare. Lifepoint Health, which operates Memorial, is currently facing inquiries from U.S. Senate committees alongside other private equity-owned healthcare companies. The investigation highlights ongoing issues within the healthcare system, particularly regarding access to care for vulnerable populations, as nearly one-quarter of New Mexico's hospitals are controlled by private equity firms, according to a study by the Private Equity Stakeholder Project.