Attorney General Blocks Fast-Track of Maimonides Hospital Merger
The proposed merger of Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn with New York City’s public hospital system has hit a major obstacle. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office denied a request to fast-track the deal, citing opposition from the Orthodox Jewish community the hospital serves.
The Charities Bureau said Maimonides must instead obtain court approval, requiring a Brooklyn filing, public notice, and a judge’s hearing, which could delay or potentially derail the merger.
The development comes amid lawsuits seeking to stop the merger. In one case, the state filed the city Health and Hospitals system’s 500-page application in court, detailing timelines, funding, and other specifics.
The suits were brought by trustees who opposed the board’s decision, frum advocacy groups, and major chassidish congregations. They argue city control could compromise the hospital’s Jewish identity, stray from its nonprofit mission, and affect care quality. Many local chassidish patients depend on Maimonides, which includes shabbos elevators, some Yiddish-speaking staff, and a synagogue with daily prayers.
New York City Health and Hospitals CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz, who is Jewish, pledged to preserve these religious accommodations for at least 30 years. Activists remain unconvinced.
Martin Bienstock, representing the plaintiffs, said the AG’s decision confirms the need for scrutiny. “A transfer of this scale requires full judicial review. The merger cannot simply be approved without examination,” he said.
