Minnesota lawmakers are moving to make the potential Sanford Health takeover of Fairview Health Services, including the University of Minnesota's hospitals, as difficult as possible.
On Monday, several lawmakers sponsored bills they say would put a moratorium on the sale of University of Minnesota hospitals to any out-of-state company, which would halt South Dakota-based Sanford from buying Fairview. In addition, the chair of the House Commerce Committee is calling on Fairview executives to appear before a legislative hearing next week to answer for their plans.
The lawmakers' actions are the latest signs of serious consternation over the newly disclosed talks between Sanford and Fairview. The potential deal to create a medical behemoth could harm not only Minnesota's control of its own health systems but also the university's teaching hospitals and mission, state officials said.
"These are decisions that will be made with huge public impact," Gov. Mark Dayton said Monday.
Dayton praised Attorney General Lori Swanson's careful look at the takeover. Swanson, whose office regulates nonprofit organizations like hospitals, held a Sunday hearing on the possible merger and plans to hold another one in two weeks.
He also voiced support for the University of Minnesota's still nascent proposal to take over its hospitals itself. University officials met privately with several lawmakers on Monday to explain that plan.
The plan, which could require millions in state investment over time, was publicly disclosed after the Sanford-Fairview talks came to light. While the governor said he wants to know more about the university proposal, Dayton made clear he was already a fan.
If the university plans move forward, the result would be "an epicenter for medical care" in Minnesota, he said.
