UPDATE (2/20/20 5:46 p.m.):

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The West Virginia House of Delegates has introduced and adopted a resolution calling on Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s office to investigate the business practices of Alecto Health Care Services, the owner of the now-closed Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling and Fairmont Regional Medical Center, which is slated for closure.

There are now a total of 49 sponsors on the resolution, which was adopted on a 95-4 vote.

The lead sponsor is Delegate Erikka Storch, R-Ohio.

“The sudden closure of Ohio Valley Medical Center was a crushing blow to the Wheeling area, and we’re still reeling from its ripple effects. My heart now breaks for Fairmont and its surrounding communities because it appears this company is using the same playbook it used with the closure of OVMC. The level of timely patient care, loss of medical records and unintended consequences within our communities from these sudden hospital closures are devastating. This reduces our citizens’ access to community health care and harms West Virginia consumers by reducing choice in the local market. I’m hopeful the Attorney General will take a thorough look at this company’s business practices to see if any state health care or consumer protection laws were broken and am confident he will take appropriate action should any violations be found.”

Del. Erikka Storch, R-Ohio

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, along with members of the West Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate, traveled to Fairmont on Thursday to meet with hospital officials and discuss the recent decision to permanently close Fairmont Regional Medical Center.

When the closing was announced on Tuesday, Governor Justice released a statement saying he planned to speak with Marion County Senator Roman Prezioso Tuesday evening regarding the planned closure. In the statement, Justice also said he planned to meet with hospital leadership in Fairmont on Thursday.

Following the governor’s meeting with hospital officials, he addressed the media. The full video of Governor Justice’s discussion with the media is below: