HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Health Care Authority announced Wednesday it will grant a certificate of approval sought by Cabell Huntington Hospital for its proposed acquisition of St. Mary’s Medical Center.
The combination of the two Huntington hospitals, which has drawn antitrust action from the Federal Trade Commission, has by and large been supported statewide, with the Legislature passing new laws during the 2016 regular session to try and cut the FTC out of the process. Part of the new law brings the state Attorney General’s office into the decision-making process, as current AG Patrick Morrisey has attempted to aid the hospitals in avoiding any antitrust issues.
Officials at both Cabell Huntington and St. Mary’s applauded the Health Care Authority’s decision…