A representative from the Federal Trade Commission voiced the agency's concern for the third time over the proposed merger of Kingsport, Tenn.-based Wellmont Health and Johnson City, Tenn.-based Mountain States Health Alliance at a public hearing Nov. 21 in Tennessee, according to Johnson City Press.
A member of the FTC joined three other speakers in asking the Tennessee Commissioner of Health, John Dreyzehner, MD, to deny the health systems' merger, according to the article. The representative from the FTC reiterated the agency's stance that the merger would be "anticompetitive and…[any] benefits [the health systems] propose are likely to harm competition and consumers in the area," according to the article.
This is the third time the FTC voiced its opposition to the merger. The agency had previously revealed its concerns at two separate public meetings held in Virginia in September and October. It is the first time the agency expressed its concerns to the Tennessee Department of Health.
Dr. Dreyzehner is scheduled to meet with the FTC Dec. 8 to discuss the proposed transaction further.
Despite opposition from the FTC, many other people present at the forum spoke in favor of the merger, according to the article. Twenty-one of the 27 individuals that attended the meeting spoke out in favor of the union. The majority of those who expressed support were employees or representatives of either Wellmont Health or MSHA, according to the article.
The Southwest Virginia Health Authority approved the proposed merger earlier this month.
State officials in Tennessee have until Jan. 12 to make a final decision, according to the article.