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Panel hears bill to give MU Health Care antitrust immunity to aid struggling rural hospitals
Summary
A House committee heard hours of testimony on House Bill 3170, which would authorize state-action antitrust immunity for MU Health Care in a 25-county area to facilitate voluntary partnerships with struggling rural hospitals; supporters said it preserves access, opponents warned of market concentration and higher prices.
A House committee on Monday heard competing testimony on House Bill 3170, which would authorize a state statute to allow MU Health Care to enter transactions that might otherwise face federal antitrust challenges, supporters said, in order to preserve access to care in rural communities.
The bill’s sponsor and bill handler, Representative Jeff Nye, told the committee the measure would create a clear legal framework that allows MU Health Care to collaborate voluntarily with hospitals across a defined 25-county primary service area to "preserve long term access" and keep rural hospitals open. Nye said participation would be voluntary, not a forced takeover, and that the measure simply removes an antitrust barrier that can slow or prevent timely interventions.
Supporters said the legislation responds to a wave of hospital closures and fragile…
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