Morrisey, after an independent review of pertinent facts, last month concurred with the state Health Care Authority’s decision to grant a certificate of approval sought by Cabell Huntington Hospital.
That certificate, coupled by the FTC's July 6 decision, further clears the way for the proposed merger of Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington.
“The FTC’s decision spares taxpayers the costs of a protracted litigation,” Morrisey said in a statement. “This merger, as regulated by our assurance and new legislation, will lead to positive results for consumers.
"We’re grateful for the FTC’s decision as we would have prevailed in court.”
Cabell Huntington Hospital, a teaching hospital affiliated with Marshall University, previously entered into an antitrust agreement with the Attorney General’s Office in July 2015. That agreement, amended months later, resolved concerns about the merger’s impact.
In April, Morrisey committed himself to defend and enforce a new state law governing mergers, Senate Bill 597, against any challenge by the FTC.