A bill up for third reading in the House of Delegates today has the Staff Union of the University of Virginia and University Medical Center administrators pitted against one another in a battle over the hospital's legal status.
SUUVA is accusing hospital officials of taking measures toward eventual privatization, a move that they say would negatively impact employees.
The bill, sponsored by Del. Rob Bell, R-Albemarle County, would ensure that the University Medical Center will be granted certain privileges that are given to private hospitals licensed with the state.
Bell was optimistic, of the bill's chance of success.
"I think it's likely to pass," he said.
According to Leonard Sandridge, University executive vice president and chief operating officer, the resolution "does not seek licensure at all," despite SUUVA allegations that it is a first step in that direction.
"The bill has nothing to do with privatization," Sandridge said. "Our legal counsel advised us that we needed clarification in the Code of Virginia to make sure that [the hospital's legal position] was clear."
According to Sandridge, one of the provisions enacted by the legislation would be an immediate consent to allow the hospital to conduct HIV testing after an employee is exposed to bodily fluids.
Bell said this testing would be the key benefit of the new law.
Elizabeth Coles, an SUUVA recruiter and employee, said that such testing is currently available.
"Why is he saying this when it is already so?" Coles said.
Representing about 200 employees, SUUVA is "trying to look out for the community," she added.
Bell disagreed, however saying "this bill has nothing to do with privatization."
SUUVA President Jan Cornell also said she views the House bill as a step toward state licensure and subsequent privatization.
"It's been a well-known fact for years that [the University] wants to dump the hospital because it's such a headache," Cornell said, citing employee problems and issues of morale. "This is like the very first step on that road. State agencies do not have to be licensed."
When asked to comment on this point, Sandridge said, "I cannot say what they are interpreting. The legislation is simply intended to clarify [that the University Medical Center would receive the same benefits] as accrued to a licensed hospital."
According to Coles, SUUVA's effort to meet with Sandridge and University President John T. Casteen III has been ignored.
"What's wrong with this?" Coles said. "Why can't we be recognized like any other organization on campus?"
Sandridge said that he had "no knowledge of any request of a meeting that Ms. Coles has made of me," and pointed out that there are additional state laws governing the communication with unions.
Though the summary of the debated legislation states that "the Medical Center shall remain exempt from licensure by the Board of Health," Coles said the bill is part of a plan on behalf of University officials to hand over hospital control to the recently formed nonprofit Medical Center Foundation
As an example, Coles referred to the separation of the Medical College of Virginia from Virginia Commonwealth University.
"Our board concluded that it did not want its hospital to be separate from the University," Sandridge said. "It has no plans to follow the MCV model."
Cornell also raised the issue of indigent care, since, as a state hospital, the University Medical Center is currently required to treat everyone.
Coles warned members of the community to be concerned.
"I fear for people who don't have money and something happens to you," she said. "People, if you do not stand up for yourself, you will get screwed over."
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