Massachusetts' new Health Policy Commission has voted to proceed with a review of Boston-based Partners HealthCare System's planned acquisition of South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, according to a Boston Globe report.
This will be the HPC's first review, as the commission was formed by Massachusetts' health cost containment law, which was enacted in 2012. The 10-member commission will examine the effects of Partners' planned acquisition on healthcare costs, competition and market access. South Shore is one of the largest independent community hospitals in the state.
The HPC does not have formal authority to reject a hospital merger, but it may be able to influence hospital consolidation in the state. Depending on the outcomes of its review, the commission can recommend Attorney General Martha Coakley's office take action to block the transaction.
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