The former CEO of Nassau University Medical Center is gearing up for legal action. She claims that her dismissal was part of a “hostile takeover” orchestrated by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Meg Ryan, the ex-president of Nassau Healthcare Corporation, contends her termination was part of an “illegal scheme” linked to a Medicaid payment issue the state encountered, as stated in a proclamation to the Post.
Ryan asserts that Hochul is guilty of breaching her contract and causing damages after appointing associates like Richard Becker, Stuart Rabinowitz, and Richard Kessel to oversee the hospitals, according to a notice of allegations filed by her lawyers in state court on Wednesday.
“They weaponized the Department of Health and manipulated the state budget process to control our community hospitals, and then they personally harmed me by leaking false information to the media,” Ryan expressed with frustration. “It’s ruthless.”
“I’m looking forward to my day in court—not just to clear my name but to expose further corruption within the state.”
Becker, Rabinowitz, Kessel, and ten unnamed members of NHCC are accused of “deliberately acting maliciously” by not resigning and failing to pay from June 1 after the government took over NUMC.
The board that replaced Ryan and other executives decided to terminate their employment, claiming she had made “excessive layoff payments” to herself and NHCC staff after she announced her resignation.
Becker rejected her resignation letter shortly thereafter, according to reports.
“During my time at NHCC as president and CEO, I expanded services, enhanced care quality, and lowered costs. I proved that hospitals can remain financially viable without state misconduct,” Ryan stated.
“My top priority has always been to provide the best health care possible and protect our committed staff.”
Ryan’s lawyer is prepared to argue that she should not receive any payments.
They also believe she is being targeted for previously leading a lawsuit against NHCC last December.
Last week, House Republicans began investigating a “fiscal cover-up” by Hochul, which purportedly aimed to conceal a $1 billion deficit, pushing for cuts in property taxes and local services.
In May, Hochul passed a budget bill imposing state control over the NHCC board, which included Becker, Rabinowitz, Kessel, and other state appointees.
Kessel, appointed by Hochul, previously worked as the director and chair of Nassau County’s Interim Treasury Department.
Rabinowitz has held notable roles such as the president of Hofstra University and was appointed to the state gaming facilities board.
Becker served as an assistant secretary in the Health and Human Services Department during Andrew Cuomo’s administration.
The NHCC subsequently dismissed the lawyer handling a Medicaid case against the state and sought delays.
Ryan and other executives earlier revealed that NUMC, the only public hospital in the county, accounted for approximately 80% of the 275,000 uninsured cases and faced payment obligations under the federal health assistance rate due to the alleged misconduct.
“Ryan did nothing wrong whatsoever,” a representative told the Post. “The payments she authorized were compliant with hospital policies and in line with practices established by previous CEOs.”
The spokesperson criticized the new NHCC leadership for allegedly conducting a “shameless media campaign” aimed at discrediting her.
Officials from Hochul’s office and NHCC did not immediately reply to requests for comments.
