Health Commissioner Statement on Hospital ED Closure Delay

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Published February 27th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The New Jersey Department of Health announced that Hudson Regional Health has delayed the closure of Heights University Hospital's emergency department by two weeks. Despite this delay, the hospital system remains out of compliance with state law regarding closure approval.

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What changed

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) issued a statement regarding Hudson Regional Health's (HRH) decision to delay the closure of Heights University Hospital's emergency department by two weeks. HRH had initially planned to close the ED with minimal notice. The hospital's Certificate of Need for closure is still pending review by NJDOH, and HRH has indicated it will provide outstanding information for the application. The statement emphasizes that despite the delay, HRH remains non-compliant with state law, as closure approval is legally required before any such action can be taken.

Regulated entities, particularly healthcare providers in New Jersey, should note that HRH's non-compliance continues despite the delay. The state intends to enforce its regulatory authority to ensure patient access to care and safeguard public resources. NJDOH has deployed survey teams and a financial monitor to the facility to ensure patient safety and report operational concerns. This situation highlights the critical importance of adhering to state laws and obtaining necessary approvals for significant operational changes, such as hospital closures, even when facing financial or operational challenges.

What to do next

Review state laws and regulations regarding hospital closure approval processes.
Ensure all necessary applications and documentation are submitted to the NJDOH in a timely manner.
Monitor ongoing communications from the NJDOH regarding compliance requirements for healthcare facilities.

Penalties

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Source document (simplified)

Home
2026
Statement from Acting Health Commissioner Raynard E. Washington on Heights University Hospital Emergency Department Closure

| PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
February 27, 2026 | Raynard E. Washington
Acting Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160 |

Statement from Acting Health Commissioner Raynard E. Washington on Heights University Hospital Emergency Department Closure

After announcing plans to abruptly close Heights University Hospital’s emergency department in Jersey City with just a couple days’ notice to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), hospital system Hudson Regional Health (HRH) has informed NJDOH of its intention to delay the closure by two weeks.

The hospital filed a Certificate of Need for Closure in the fall of 2025. The closure application is still pending review; NJDOH is currently awaiting responses to the latest set of completeness questions. HRH indicated today that it intends to provide the Department with outstanding information for the pending application. Approval of this application is required by law before closure.

Despite receiving millions in state financial assistance and other supportive interventions, HRH has failed to continue operating Heights University Hospital in compliance with state law, shuttering all but the emergency department without obtaining legally required approval.

While the anticipated closure date has been extended, this action does not change the fact that HRH remains out of compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements. The state will continue to exercise all available options to enforce regulatory authority while safeguarding public resources and trust.

The Department’s Survey team has been onsite at Heights University Hospital to ensure the health and safety of patients at the facility during this tumultuous period. Additionally, a financial monitor continues to be onsite to report back any financial or operational concerns.

NJDOH is committed to safeguarding residents' access to essential health care services and that any changes affecting this access are made in accordance with the law.