Northwest Covenant Medical Center, Appellant-Appellant v. Leonard Fishman

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the Appellate Division, holding that the Department of Health and Senior Services' 1997 charity‑care subsidy allocation was a quasi‑legislative action, so the 45‑day appeal deadline did not apply, and the doctrine of laches did not bar Northwest Covenant Medical Center's appeal. The Court also ordered the DHSS to reallocate the subsidy and recommended promulgating regulations for future allocations. Justice Stein, in a concurring opinion, agreed with the judgment but emphasized that the court’s discussion of laches understates the equitable considerations.