State of Tennessee Grants Additional Time for Wellmont and Mountain States Merger Application Review

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/13/2017

STATE OF TENNESSEE GRANTS ADDITIONAL TIME FOR WELLMONT AND MOUNTAIN STATES MERGER APPLICATION REVIEW

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Wellmont Health System and Mountain States Health Alliance received notice today that their request for additional time to supplement their application for a Certificate of Public Advantage was graciously granted by the Tennessee Department of Health.

The extension was requested by the health systems, so they can provide additional information to their application for a Tennessee Certificate of Public Advantage. Approval of the COPA is required for the proposed merger of Mountain States and Wellmont to proceed.

“Our objective is to ensure the record in both states reflects our vision for the improved health of our region and that the record strongly supports a positive outcome,” said Alan Levine, president and CEO of Mountain States. “This is so important, and we are committed to leaving no doubt about our intent. This is not just about a merger. This is about a region coming together to make strides in solving our health care challenges.”

The boards of both organizations believe the proposed merger is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tackle the critical health issues our region is facing, sustain our rural hospitals, expand access, protect local jobs, ensure important decisions are made by people who live and work in our region, and reinvest millions of dollars right back into our local communities.

“We have recognized from the beginning that this would be both complex and unprecedented,” said Bart Hove, president and CEO of Wellmont. “We are working with thoughtful leaders throughout our health systems, in our community and in both states in this important and deliberate process. This process with our community and both states has made our vision for this merger better.”