Maine Sen. Susan Collins has introduced legislation that would allow critical access hospitals in bankruptcy proceedings to receive loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program.Two such hospitals in Maine - Calais Regional and Penobscot Valley - have been unable to access the forgivable loans. The hospitals each filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Small Business Administration. The lawsuit was dismissed by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge last week.
In a written statement, Collins says her bill would help the hospitals keep their doors open until they can resume normal operations.
Calais Regional Hospital and Penobscot Valley Hospital have both seen steep declines in revenue as outpatient visits and procedures have been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
