Cooper will continue operating emergency medical services in Camden while the state appeals a ruling against "special legislation."
TRENTON -- Cooper University Hospital will continue to operate emergency medical services in the City of Camden after the New Jersey Supreme Court denied a motion filed by the former provider, Virtua, Tuesday, according to court documents.
Cooper began operating EMS services in Camden at the start of this year thanks to legislation signed into law last year that requires ALS services to be provided by a level one trauma center in its home municipality.
Although Cooper is not specifically mentioned in the law, Virtua criticized the legislation as a power grab by Cooper and its chairman, George Norcross.
Virtua -- which has provided ALS services in Camden for 38 years -- challenged the law along with Capital Health System late last year.
Their challenge was initially successful, with a Superior Court judge ruling on Dec. 22, that the law was special legislation prohibited by the state constitution. In a statement after that ruling, Cooper said they expected the appellate division to review the case in order to avoid the disruption of EMS services in Camden that would occur if the law didn't go into effect on Jan. 2.
An appellate division judge granted a stay a week later allowing Cooper to begin its EMS operations in Camden while the appeal is argued in the courts.
With it's motion to vacate of modify the appellate division stay denied, Virtua President and CEO Rich Miller said they look forward to arguing their case during the appeal process and will be ready to resume ALS services in Camden if they are given the opportunity.
"We are disappointed that the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled today to uphold the stay granted by the Appellate Division of the state Superior Court," Miller said in a statement released Tuesday. "Although the decision will allow a controversial law to remain in effect pending the state's appeal, Virtua paramedics are proud to continue to provide experienced, award-winning and high quality EMS services for the people in the 76 municipalities we currently serve in Camden and Burlington Counties."
Alex Young may be reached at ayoung@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexYoungSJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
