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Commissioner says public input for Heritage Valley–Allegheny Health Network affiliation was broadly supportive; federal review awaited
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Summary
A commissioner reported roughly 35 speakers at a public input meeting about Heritage Valley's affiliation with Allegheny Health Network, said attendees were supportive and noted the affiliation will need federal FTC review to assess competition, access and affordability effects.
A Beaver County commissioner told the board at its Feb. 18 work session that a recent public input meeting on Heritage Valley's affiliation with Allegheny Health Network drew around 35 speakers and that public testimony was largely supportive.
"Everybody was supportive. There was nobody that spoke against it," the commissioner said, adding that the state appears to be supportive as well. He said that, because the proposal involves two large nonprofit health systems joining, it will undergo a federal Federal Trade Commission review to evaluate potential effects on access, affordability and quality of care.
The commissioner said the affiliation is important for the county's health-care future and that Heritage Valley itself has suggested the change could prevent closures at some local facilities. He encouraged residents who want to comment to use the available public comment channels, including writing to the attorney general.
No formal county action on the affiliation was recorded at the work session. The commissioner characterized the hearing as an important step and said the process continues with federal review.
