Governor seeks court clarification on hospital authority

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero is asking the Guam Supreme Court to clarify the scope of her authority under the Organic Act when it comes to establishing public health services on Guam, including hospitals. 

In a filing Wednesday, the governor requested a declaratory judgment to determine how the responsibility assigned to the Executive Branch by Congress interacts with laws passed by the Guam Legislature.

According to the governor, the Organic Act places the duty to establish and maintain hospitals in Guam with the governor. She says the court’s guidance will help clarify how that responsibility can be carried out while remaining consistent with both federal law and local statutes.

Leon Guerrero emphasized the request is not intended to challenge the legislature’s authority over appropriations, procurement, or other policy matters.

Instead, she says the goal is to provide legal clarity when federally assigned responsibilities overlap with local law.

The governor also noted that seeking guidance directly from the court could help avoid lengthy litigation and prevent delays in carrying out critical public health responsibilities for the people of Guam.