A federal judge has ordered Dr. Jim McGovern, the top executive at PeaceHealth Oregon, to testify in a lawsuit against the hospital system, according to an April 16 announcement. McGovern was placed on administrative leave last week after concerns were raised by medical staff about his involvement in patient care without holding an Oregon medical license.
The case is significant as it centers on the future of emergency room staffing at three Lane County hospitals and questions about compliance with state law. The outcome could affect how emergency medical services are delivered in the community.
The lawsuit was initially filed by Eugene Emergency Physicians (EEP) in Lane County Circuit Court in March but has since been moved to federal court. EEP seeks to block PeaceHealth from hiring ApolloMD, an Atlanta-based company, to staff its emergency rooms. The group is asking the court to prevent PeaceHealth from ending its longstanding contract for emergency services until legal matters are resolved.
Among other requests, plaintiffs want the court to maintain their current contract with Eugene Emergency Physicians until PeaceHealth can legally provide adequate emergency services and ensure public safety. They also seek a prohibition on ApolloMD and related companies from violating state laws regarding corporate practice of medicine and conducting business illegally within Oregon. Additionally, they request that Lane Emergency Physicians—described as a front organization for ApolloMD—be dissolved or barred from operating in Oregon.
When contacted by KLCC for comment, PeaceHealth Oregon responded: “Based on a pending personnel matter and pending litigation, respectively, we are going to decline to comment.”
McGovern is expected to appear before federal court later this month.
