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Senate urges FTC to reconsider hospital divestiture affecting Jordan Valley, passage of HJR 21
Summary
HJR 21, a resolution asking the Federal Trade Commission to reconsider divestiture of Jordan Valley Hospital and related facilities, passed the Utah Senate after senators debated potential impacts on competition and local communities.
The Utah Senate passed HJR 21 on March 1, 1995, a resolution urging the Federal Trade Commission to reconsider a forced divestiture affecting Jordan Valley Hospital and several other local facilities.
Senator Reese introduced the resolution to the floor, saying it "urges the Federal Trade Commission [to] reconsider decision to force divesture [of] Jordan Valley Hospital," framing the measure as a statement of concern about local health-care access and competition. Senator Peterson and others raised questions and comments about how an additional system in the Valley could affect the University of Utah Hospital and local health-care markets. Senator Richard, whose district includes Jordan Valley Hospital, said the action would have an "enormous impact on our community" and urged support.
Sponsors and supporters emphasized the need to preserve competition and community access; other senators sought to clarify neutral positions of some systems and to avoid implying formal opposition by local hospitals. The resolution passed on roll call with 26 ayes, 2 nays and 1 absent, and was returned to the House for final signature and enrolling.
The resolution is a nonbinding statement by the Legislature requesting the federal agency to re-evaluate its divestiture decision; it does not alter state law or impose regulatory action but signals legislative concern that federal enforcement may affect hospital competition and local access.
