Las Cruces hospital accused of refusing treatment to cancer patients

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez announced Tuesday morning, July 16, that the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) will be launching an investigation into a Las Cruces hospital after it allegedly refused to treat cancer patients among other allegations, the NMDOJ announced in a press release.

The NMDOJ says Memorial Medical Center, located in Las Cruces, is being accused of refusing to treat cancer patients, denying or requiring full upfront payments from several uninsured or Medicaid-eligible patients, failing to screen patients for financial assistance, and denying medical services to patients, violating New Mexico law.

Patients who were denied care at Memorial Medical Center were “forced to seek treatment in Albuquerque and other cities as their healthcare needs were, and still are, dire,” the NMDOJ said.

NBC News broke a story about the hospital denying care to cancer patients last month, which resulted in a press conference being held by the NMDOJ Tuesday.

“If proven, these actions may constitute violations of the Unfair Practices Act, the New Mexico Indigent Hospital and County Health Care Act, and the New Mexico Patients’ Debt Collection Protection Act,” the NMDOJ said.

The NMDOJ is urging any individuals who have experienced similar issues with Memorial Medical Center or other hospital facilities to come forward. For more information or to report a complaint, call (505) 490-4060 or visit their website at www.nmdoj.gov .

We have reached out to Memorial Medical Center for comment but have not heard back.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.