I am writing in response to recent reporting on Sen. Chris Murphy’s call to ban private capital investment in Connecticut’s healthcare system.

Recent cases of mismanagement of healthcare facilities in the state clearly show what can happen when bad actors put profits ahead of patients. Hospitals are left in limbo, patients are left without access to care, and the vulnerable communities they serve are left to pay the price. However, not all private investment is created equal, and we must not overlook the positive role that responsible private investment continues to play in the healthcare ecosystem.

Across the country, responsible investors have stepped up to secure access to healthcare for patients by rescuing struggling healthcare facilities. By introducing innovative and tech forward approaches to treatment and providing administrative support that stabilizes operations, private capital can give providers the tools they need to focus on patients. That is the difference between exploitative practices and sustainable investments that truly strengthen our healthcare infrastructure.

Take for example, American Family Care (AFC). With the help of private capital investors, AFC has grown into one of the nation’s most successful urgent care providers, with 16 centers serving Connecticut communities. By leveraging advanced technology for billing, record keeping, and patient services, AFC provides patients with convenient, affordable, and accessible care when they need it most.

Senator Murphy has rightly called out cases of mismanagement and we support efforts that would address these specific issues. However, painting all private capital with the same brush risks doing more harm than good. A balanced approach is needed to differentiate between bad actors and responsible investors.

Connecticut shouldn’t rush to curtail much-needed private investment and overlook the many examples of responsible investors that put patient-centered care at the forefront of their operations. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how to navigate these complexities while fostering the responsible private investments that provide a needed lifeline to struggling facilities and improve patient care.

Regan Parker represents the Association for Responsible Healthcare Investment.