BREAKING: Curt Schroder resigns

Rep. Curt Schroder today announced his resignation from the PA House effective May 6th.

The nine-term lawmaker, who late last year announced he would not seek re-election when his term expired in November, is leaving to take a position with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). Schroder has been named a senior vice president and will serve as regional executive with the Delaware Valley Healthcare Council of HAP (DVHC). The DVHC serves approximately 58 hospitals and health systems in southeast Pennsylvania from its office located in Philadelphia.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the 155th district of Chester County for the last 17-plus years,” Schroder said. “While I had planned to fulfill the remaining months of my term, I felt this was the right opportunity for me to continue serving the region.

“Advocating for the hospitals of our region is of vital importance. The greater Philadelphia area is fortunate to have some of the highest quality health care in the country, with community hospitals and academic/research hospitals all playing a vital role in the delivery of health care,” he added.

Schroder has been a leader on health care policy in the state House for much of his time in office. In 2002 he championed legislation to reform the state’s medical malpractice insurance system to help keep doctors and specialists practicing in Pennsylvania and keep hospitals open. He played a key role this year in the adoption of the Fair Share Act, which crafted a fairer litigation climate for hospitals.

Schroder authored the Trauma Systems Stabilization Act to ensure access to life-saving care by designating a new level of trauma care and providing much-needed grants to the state’s accredited trauma centers. He also helped write legislation requiring insurers to allow 48-hour hospital stays after delivery for both mothers and newborns and reforming the managed health care system to give patients greater rights.

“We have made great strides over the last decade toward improving our health care system, but there is much more work to be done,” Schroder said.

HAP is a statewide membership services organization that advocates for nearly 250 health care provider organizations, as well as the patients and communities they serve. As regional executive for DVHC, Schroder will focus on the region’s 58 member hospitals and health systems, guiding the development of initiatives to strengthen and improve health care delivery for the region’s patients and providers.

Schroder noted that his legislative office, located at 315 Gordon Dr. in Exton, will remain open full-time to serve the people of the 155th District. The office can be reached by phone at 610-524-5595.