The proposed merger between Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health and Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services has been controversial in Minnesota. As the combination is reviewed by Keith Ellison, the state’s attorney general, the House has passed a bill that could shake things up.
On May 8, the House passed HF 402. The “multi-pronged” approach proposed by the bill aims to protect Minnesotans during mergers, consolidations and transactions involving health systems, according to Rep. Robert Bierman, its chief author.
Minnesota already has a thorough review process for healthcare mergers: Sanford and Fairview have pushed their closing date back twice as state, university and health system leaders work toward agreement, Becker’s reports.
The new bill — which currently sits in a Senate committee — would expand the attorney general’s existing oversight. It establishes requirements for timely notifications of transactions, prohibits transactions that would substantially lower competition and better defines transactions that support public interest.
However, some measures appear to target Sanford and Fairview’s combination. Read more.
