Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated legal action against AHMC Seton Medical Center, LLC (AHMC) for allegedly not adhering to conditions set by the Attorney General's office. These conditions were designed to ensure the continuation of specific healthcare services at Seton Medical Center and Seton Coastside.

The lawsuit, filed in San Mateo County, accuses AHMC of violating the conditions established on July 27, 2020, by completely closing Seton Coastside. The Attorney General is pursuing specific performance and civil penalties. Additionally, injunctive relief is being sought to facilitate the reopening of Seton Coastside facilities and restore services.

"The conditions that were set forth with AHMC were specifically implemented to protect patients, ensure continued access to critical healthcare services, and safeguard the community’s health and well-being," stated Attorney General Bonta. "Unfortunately, AHMC clearly has not upheld its obligations. This failure to meet the required standards is completely unacceptable, and I’m holding them fully accountable for placing patient care and public health at risk."

According to California law, any sale or transfer of control involving a nonprofit-owned healthcare facility requires approval from the Attorney General. The conditions from July 27, 2020 mandated continued service offerings such as emergency departments at both hospitals, stroke center certification, STEMI receiving center designation, general acute care hospital (GACH), and skilled nursing facilities (SNF). However, since April 2024, AHMC allowed certain certifications at Seton Medical Center to lapse and closed various units at Seton Coastside without notifying or seeking an amendment from the Attorney General.

These service reductions have led to increased travel distances for patients seeking care and heightened demand on neighboring hospitals offering similar services. As a result, there has been an escalation in service rates at these competing institutions.

A copy of the lawsuit is available for review.