Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation; Proposed Consent Agreement With Analysis To Aid Public Comment

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In settlement of alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair acts and practices and unfair methods of competition, this consent agreement, accepted subject to final Commission approval, would permit, 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). The proposed consent agreement would require the respondent, for ten years, to obtain Commission approval 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.