HARTFORD, CT - Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong released the following statements regarding the announcement made late last night by Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc.:

Governor Lamont said, “The administration has been preparing for the possibility that Prospect Medical Holdings would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The three hospitals remain open, and we will continue to hold Prospect accountable to provide quality care to the communities that rely on these institutions.

“We have a cross-agency team in place to ensure hospital operations continue uninterrupted and that employees and vendors continue to be compensated, as required by court orders. As part of this response, we are in touch with management at these local hospitals, representatives for hospital staff, and local elected officials.

“Our number one priority remains maintaining safety and quality of care at Prospect’s three Connecticut hospitals. We currently have an independent monitor overseeing operations at Waterbury Hospital and will increase oversight at Manchester Hospital. We will continue to work to evaluate opportunities to transfer these institutions to a new operator.

“The state will be monitoring the situation closely and intends to participate in court proceedings to the extent necessary to protect the interests of patients, employees and creditors.”

Attorney General Tong said, “I am disappointed that Prospect Medical Holdings has decided to file for bankruptcy. However, this changes nothing with regards to their obligations to patient care and safety. My office is watching this matter closely and I intend to actively participate in the proceeding to protect the interests of the state, Prospect’s patients, employees, and the communities that rely on its services.”