Sunday, May 20, 2012

The soundview shutdown

Last Updated: 8:03 AM, May 20, 2012
Posted: May 20, 2012

The state Department of Health dropped the hammer on the Soundview Health Network last week — just days after a Brooklyn federal jury convicted its founder, ex-Sen. Pedro Espada Jr., of looting it to the tune of $500,000.
DOH ordered Soundview to turn over its operating certificate — the same day The Post revealed Soundview was paying Espada’s legal bills even as it was unable to meet payroll.
This is hardly a happy development for Soundview’s clientele. Yes, Albany was making other arrangements for them, but it can’t be an easy transition.
From a policy perspective, however, a shutdown should have happened a very long time ago.
NY Post:G.N. Miller
Pedro Espanda
Furthermore, as part of the shutdown, the state must go over Soundview’s finances with a proverbial fine-toothed comb.
If it turns out that any of the money going to Espada’s legal bills comes from Medicaid-connected accounts, the state must claw back that cash — while ensuring that no more money goes to either Espada or his co-indicted son Pedro G. Espada.
(Keep in mind, a retrial is expected for both Espadas on various conspiracy charges on which the jury deadlocked.)
Pedro Espada can’t be allowed to continue to benefit financially from his criminal enterprise — even as he readies himself for a prison jumpsuit.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/the_soundview_shutdown_8L7BwGlYZjkQKNjUwNAEpO#ixzz1vR1GN800

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