Measure would empower Attorney General as gatekeeper for Minnesota health care mergers

Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff
Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff

(St. Paul, MN) -- Minnesota lawmakers are considering a proposal that would empower the state attorney general to serve as a gatekeeper for Minnesota health care mergers.

The bill would prohibit hospital and clinic mergers that "substantially lessen competition" and would allow the attorney general to go to court to block transactions that don't benefit Minnesota.

The bill was amended Monday to focus on larger mergers and exempt smaller, rural hospitals and clinics from reporting requirements.

The move comes amid a continued plan for Sanford Health and Fairview Health Services, that are set to merge later in the Summer after several delays.