UConn Health Seeks Emergency Certificate to Buy Waterbury Hospital; OHS Questions Bed Licensing, Access and Finances

The Connecticut Office of Health Strategy heard testimony on Dec. 19, 2025 on an emergency certificate-of-need application from the University of Connecticut Health Center Finance Corporation to acquire assets of Waterbury Health and related entities, citing a bankruptcy sale and the need to preserve local hospital services.

Acting Commissioner Amy Porter told witnesses the new emergency CON process created by Public Act 25-2 requires OHS to evaluate effects on access, cost and quality of care, impacts on market concentration and Medicaid access, the bankruptcy’s effects on patients and communities, and the applicants’ plans to restore financial viability. The agency said it may issue a decision on or before Feb. 9, 2026 and left the record open for written comment.

UConn Health witnesses described the transaction as a rapid intervention to keep Waterbury Hospital operating and to stabilize employment and services. Dr. Andrew Aguanobi, UConn Health executive vice president for health affairs and chief executive officer, said the acquisition would bring “integration plans to ensure a seamless transition” and emphasized commitments to quality, staffing and community engagement. “We at UConn Health are very excited about this acquisition,” he said.

The applicants identified a proposed…