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Morrisey Outlines Next Steps in Hospital Merger

Patrick Morrisey, W. Va. Attorney General
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West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey today outlined the next steps involved in the proposed merger between Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington

The merger was announced in August 2014. Morrisey said he will defend and enforce the recently passed Senate Bill 597 governing mergers, against any challenge made by the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC sought to block the merger last November, but Morrisey believes that the recent passage of Senate Bill 597 strengthens an agreement already reached by his office and both hospitals. According to Morrisey the merger is now immune from federal and state antitrust laws as long as it receives a certificate of approval from the state Health Care Authority and the Attorney General.

Cabell Huntington submitted its application for the certificate of approval March 25th. It remains under review between the AG’s office and the Health Care Authority. The offices have 75 days, from the date of the application to make a decision. 

Appalachia Helth News

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with support from the Benedum Foundation.