Sutter Health cited “catastrophic” losses related to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an interview with HealthLeaders, Elizabeth Mitchell, CEO of the Pacific Business Group on Health (PBGH), said Judge Massullo’s one-month delay was “disappointing” but still better than the three-month delay requested by Sutter.

Mitchell added that while Sutter has argued that the organization’s bottom line has been negatively impacted by the outbreak, PBGH’s concern remains on those paying hospital bills, namely businesses and families.

“We do not believe that adhering to ethical business practices should impede [Sutter’s] ability to care for patients,” Mitchell said. “What the settlement addressed were anti-competitive business practices like gag laws, all-or-nothing contracting, and prohibiting tiering. They’re just not related to what [Sutter] is saying is their new need because of COVID.”