Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation; Prohibited Trade Practices, and Affirmative Corrective Actions

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In settlement of alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair acts and practices and unfair methods of competition, this consent order permits, among other things, Columbia/HCA and Healthtrust, Inc. to merge, provided that Columbia/HCA divests seven hospitals within twelve months (nine months for the divestiture of three hospitals in the Salt Lake City area), and requires the respondent to terminate its participation in a joint venture with the Orlando Regional Health System. In a modification of the consent agreement, this consent order replaces a prior-approval requirement with a prior-notice provision that requires the respondent, for ten years, to notify the Commission before acquiring another acute care hospital in any of the six market areas at issue, and before transferring an acute care hospital in any of the areas to another entity that already operates one in that area.