The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has received a complete application for a Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) that would allow Union Hospital to purchase Terre Haute Regional Hospital in Vigo County.

Through the passage of Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 246 in 2021 and with subsequent amendments in SEA 298 (2022), the Indiana General Assembly provided the statutory authority for IDOH to issue a COPA for certain hospital mergers. A certificate would require the regulation of the merged hospital system by the department in place of regulation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through anti-trust laws. 

Under Indiana Code 16-21-15, IDOH can issue a certificate only if it finds that there is clear evidence that the proposed merger would improve health outcomes, health care access, and the quality of health care provided to the population currently served by the hospitals, and that those benefits outweigh any potential disadvantages that result from the proposed merger.

Receipt of the application opens a 120-day review period. IDOH will continue to accept public comments through Friday, Sept. 6.

To offer comments on the proposed merger, click here.

Comments previously received by the ISMA were shared with IDOH staff. However, individuals are still encouraged to comment through the official portal to ensure their feedback is properly received.