PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island regulators Tuesday launched their review of the proposal to sell Westerly Hospital to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital of New London, Conn.
The Department of Health and the attorney general's office declared the application complete. Under a new expedited process for "distressed" nonprofit hospitals, the regulators have 90 days to complete their review.
"The Westerly Hospital has provided great care for generations," Bruce D. Cummings, L+M president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "That won't change -- nor does our commitment for again making it a strong and viable community hospital."
L+M has offered $69 million for Westerly and pledged to operate it as an acute-care hospital for five years and maintain all clinical services for at least two.