The Minnesota Attorney General's Office is asking Sioux Falls-based Sanford Health and Minnesota-based Fairview to slow down the timeline of their proposed merger.
The merger was initially approved by both health systems in November of last year, though questions were raised almost immediately.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting listening sessions across the state to gauge public concerns on the merger. The latest of these meetings was held Wednesday in Worthington, Minnesota.
John Keller, chief deputy of the Minnesota Attorney Generals office, urged the involved parties to delay the planned March 31 closure date.
“As the Attorney General's office, we have not made a decision, and we’ve not decided if there will be a cause for legal action, but we are waiting for substantial information from the parties that will help us analyze the situation," Keller said. "The University of Minnesota, who is here, has indicated the proposed merger is moving too fast, and that its interests have not been adequately considered.”
Roughly 3,500 public comments have been submitted, according to the attorney general's office. Keller said the office is investigating several factors, including the merger’s impact on health insurance and access to care.
Sanford CEO Bill Gassen said the merger would improve services in Fairview’s coverage area.
“We’re also actively working with community stakeholders and partners to address ongoing healthcare challenges that are impacting this region including EMS services, homecare needs, as well as nursing and other workforce shortages,” Gassen said.
Gassen also defended charges lodged at previous town hall hearings.
“Sanford Health has a long history of providing equitable and inclusive care to underserved communities," Gassen said. "We are proud of the commitment to delivering culturally competent care to meet all patients needs. In addition, we have no plans to close facilities or to reduce access to care as a result of this merger.”
Ten years ago, a similar proposed merger between the two health systems failed in part due to concerns raised by then-Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson.
