FTC Settles Antitrust Case With Hospital Chain
Published Date: 6/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Trade Commission is reviewing a deal with Ascension Health Alliance to stop unfair competition practices. This affects Ascension and its healthcare partners, aiming to keep the market fair and open. People have until July 10, 2026, to share their thoughts before the deal is finalized—no money changes hands, just rules to play fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Divestiture of 7 Ambulatory Surgery Centers
The FTC-approved consent agreement requires divestiture of AmSurg's majority interests in seven ambulatory surgery centers across five metropolitan areas (Nashville, TN; Panama City, FL; Tulsa, OK; Waco, TX; Wichita, KS) to preserve competition after Ascension's proposed $3.9 billion acquisition of AmSurg.
Who Will Buy the Divested Centers
Six of the divested ambulatory surgery centers will be sold to SC Affiliates (an affiliate of UnitedHealth Group) and the Panama City center will be sold to a physician group that currently holds a minority stake and will assume full ownership; both buyers already operate ambulatory surgery centers and can run the divested centers independently.
Transition Oversight, Trustee Backup, Ten-Year Term
The consent agreement requires respondents to provide up to one year of transition assistance, protect confidential information, maintain the viability of divested assets, avoid interfering with employment relationships, appoint a monitor to oversee divestiture and transition obligations, and provides for a trustee if divestitures are not completed; the proposed Order has a ten-year term.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15182, Petition for Rulemaking of the National Consumers League, Campaign for Fairer Gambling, the National Council for Problem Gambling, the Public Health Advocacy Institute, and Truth in Advertising, Inc.
Please take notice that the Federal Trade Commission ("Commission") received a petition for rulemaking from the National Consumers League, Campaign for Fairer Gambling, the National Council for Problem Gambling, the Public Health Advocacy Institute, and Truth in Advertising, Inc., and has published that petition online at https://www.regulations.gov. The Commission invites written comments concerning the petition. Publication of this petition is pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure and does not affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.
2026-14920, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension
The Federal Trade Commission wants to keep its rules for how gas stations and fuel sellers measure and share fuel quality for three more years. This affects refiners, importers, distributors, and retailers who must keep records and share fuel ratings. Comments on this plan are open until September 21, 2026, and the paperwork costs about $455,000 a year in labor.
2026-14038, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension
The Federal Trade Commission wants to keep its Informal Dispute Settlement Rules going for three more years and is asking the public to share their thoughts by August 12, 2026. This affects car makers and others who use these dispute rules, with an estimated yearly cost of about $340,000 and nearly 12,000 hours spent on paperwork. No big changes, just a smooth extension to keep things running.
2026-14039, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension
The Federal Trade Commission wants to keep its rules about how lenders must tell you if your credit terms are less favorable because of your credit report. This extension keeps the current paperwork rules in place for three more years, affecting businesses that lend money. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until August 12, 2026, to share them—no extra costs or big changes, just a smooth continuation!
2026-13628, Policy Statement Concerning the Suppression of Accuracy in Artificial Intelligence Systems
The Federal Trade Commission is making it clear: AI companies can’t hide behind sneaky tricks that make their systems less accurate on purpose. If you build or sell AI, you need to be honest about how your tech works and not mislead users. Comments on this new policy are open until July 31, 2026, so AI makers should pay attention now to avoid future fines or trouble.
2026-12612, Aurobindo and Lannett; Analysis of Proposed Agreement Containing Consent Orders To Aid Public Comment
The Federal Trade Commission is asking for your thoughts on a deal with Aurobindo and Lannett, two drug companies accused of unfair competition. The companies agree to stop certain practices that hurt competition, helping keep medicine prices fair. You have until July 23, 2026, to share your opinion before the deal is final.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11633, Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture is asking for your thoughts on a new info collection about farm prices. If you’re involved in agriculture or just curious, your feedback can help make the process easier and clearer. You’ve got until July 10, 2026, to share your ideas—no cost, just your voice!
Next: 2026-11636, Notice of Proposed Revision to Requirements for the Importation of Fresh Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.)) From the Philippines and Thailand Into the United States
The USDA wants to change the rules for bringing fresh pineapples from the Philippines and Thailand into the U.S. Right now, pineapples from the Philippines can only enter certain areas, and Thailand’s pineapples need special treatment. The new plan could let all pineapple types from both countries enter all U.S. ports, with or without treatment, but they’re asking for your thoughts by August 10, 2026.