Agency to look for owner for hospitals in Prince George's County, MD

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has signed into law a bill establishing an independent authority that will seek a new owner for the Prince George's County hospital system. The state and the county have each agreed to pay $12 million annually for the next two years to keep open the system anchored by Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly. The authority will oversee the search for a new owner for the system, which is now managed by the nonprofit Dimensions Healthcare System. In an effort to lure bidders, the county and state must now agree to pledge operating money and funds to help refurbish outdated facilities.