(a)        In a chapter 7, chapter 9, or chapter 11 case in which the debtor is a health care business, the Court will enter an order no earlier than 22 days and no later than 30 days after commencement of the case directing the United States Trustee to appoint a patient care ombudsman, unless a party has filed a motion to find the appointment of a patient care ombudsman unnecessary under FRBP 2007.2.  The Court will conduct a hearing within 30 days after commencement of the case on any motion to find the appointment of a patient care ombudsman unnecessary.  A motion to expedite under L. Rule 9014 is required.  If the motion to find the appointment of a patient care ombudsman unnecessary is denied, the Court will thereafter enter an order directing the United States Trustee to appoint a patient care ombudsman.

(b)        For any motion filed under FRBP 2007.2, the movant shall serve the designated representative of the Texas agency(ies) which regulate the health care business.  Click here to see L. Rule 1021. HEALTH CARE BUSINESS CASE.

(c)        Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the patient care ombudsman’s appointment will terminate on (i) entry of an order dismissing the case or (ii) the effective date of any chapter 11 plan.   If a chapter 11 plan is confirmed, the plan proponent shall notify the patient care ombudsman of the occurrence of the effective date.