The Westchester County Health Care Corporation is a New York public benefit corporation created by the state to provide hospital and medical services to residents of Westchester County, including care for people who cannot pay.1New York State Senate. New York Public Authorities Law § 3301 That structure sits between a government agency and a private hospital system: the corporation runs its own business affairs, but it operates under state law and answers to public oversight.
To carry out its mission, the corporation can sign contracts, buy, sell, and lease property, and borrow money by issuing bonds.2New York State Senate. New York Public Authorities Law § 3305
Who Runs It and Who Watches It
A Board of Directors leads the corporation. Members are appointed by state and local officials, including the Governor of New York and representatives from Westchester County.3New York State Senate. New York Public Authorities Law § 3303
Several state bodies watch how the corporation operates. The Authorities Budget Office checks that it follows state reporting requirements.4New York State Senate. New York Public Authorities Law § 6 Board members are also bound by ethics and conflict-of-interest rules enforced by the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.5New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. About the Commission
How It Is Funded
Most of the corporation’s money comes from payments for patient care, including reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid. Shifts in federal or state healthcare policy can therefore move its finances significantly.
Beyond patient revenue, the corporation can issue bonds to pay for construction projects or major equipment.2New York State Senate. New York Public Authorities Law § 3305 It may also receive grants from the state or private donors for research, community health programs, or charity care.
Suing the Corporation
Because WCHCC is a public benefit corporation, the usual rules that apply to suing a public entity apply here too. Before filing a personal injury or similar claim, you generally have to go through a specific notice process.6New York State Senate. New York Public Authorities Law § 3316 A notice of claim must usually be filed within 90 days of the incident.7New York State Senate. New York General Municipal Law § 50-e
Medical malpractice claims add another step. The plaintiff’s attorney must file a certificate of merit confirming that a qualified medical expert has reviewed the case and found a reasonable basis for the lawsuit.8New York State Senate. New York CPLR § 3012-a
Getting Records Through FOIL
New York’s Freedom of Information Law lets the public request records from the corporation.9New York State Senate. New York Public Officers Law § 89 After a written request, the corporation generally has five business days to respond.10New York State Committee on Open Government. Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) – Section: 1401.2 Designation of records access officer. If a request is denied, you have 30 days to appeal.
Not everything is releasable. Some records are withheld to protect security or trade secrets,11New York State Senate. New York Public Officers Law § 87 and federal privacy rules prevent the corporation from releasing a patient’s medical information without permission.12Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 45 CFR § 164.502
Contracting and Procurement
The corporation follows public procurement rules when it hires vendors or buys supplies, and it generally uses competitive selection.13New York State Senate. New York Public Authorities Law § 2879 For very large contracts, the New York State Comptroller may review and approve the agreement before it is signed.14New York State Senate. New York Public Authorities Law § 2879-a The corporation must also publish an annual report listing every contract worth more than $100,000.15New York State Senate. New York Public Authorities Law § 3317