The Colorado Department of Law is soliciting public comment on UCHealth’s proposed acquisition of Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo.
Under the Colorado Hospital Transfer Act, § 6-19-201 C.R.S., the attorney general is obligated to review the transaction and ensure it will not result in a material change in the charitable purposes to which the assets of the hospital have been dedicated, and that assets don’t leave the state. In making this determination, the attorney general must also consider whether there are reductions in the availability or accessibility of health care services in the communities served by the hospital.
In addition, the attorney general is authorized to review mergers and acquisitions under the Colorado Antitrust Act, § 6-4-107 C.R.S. If an acquisition may substantially lessen competition or create a monopoly, the attorney general may intervene to protect Colorado businesses and consumers.
Pueblo County residents and others can submit concerns and information to UCHealthParkview@coag.gov until Friday, March 31.
“UCHealth has expressed its commitment to supporting healthcare in southern Colorado. Our department’s duty is to carefully evaluate the proposed transaction and ensure that it is carried out legally and in a way that preserves its mission,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said. “This is an opportunity for citizens to have their voices heard in this process and for our department to make a more informed decision.”
Weiser will also host a listening session in Pueblo on March 22 where residents can share their thoughts on the transaction or on any other issue of concern. It will be held from 2:00-3:00pm in the Rawlings Library, Friends of the Library Room, 100 E Abriendo Ave., in Pueblo.