Kingsport, Tenn.-based Wellmont Health System and Johnson City, Tenn.-based Mountain States Health Alliance requested and received more time to file their certificate of public advantage. The certificate is necessary for the health systems to merge into a single entity, Ballad Health, according to WCYB News.
Officials at the Tennessee Department of Health said the health system's COPA application was deemed incomplete. The conclusion effectively delays the department's 120-day deadline to issue a decision on the merger. Officials said a final decision may not be issued until late spring.
The health systems have fought for the potential merger since proposing the idea in 2014, despite opposition from the Federal Trade Commission. On Jan. 13, the FTC submitted a supplemental public comment to the Virginia Department of Health. The filing was submitted in response to the health systems' October 2016 response to previous comments made by the FTC.
"We have recognized from the beginning that this [merger] would be both complex and unprecedented," said Bart Hove, president and CEO of Wellmont Health System. "We are working with thoughtful leaders throughout our health systems, in our community and in both states in this important and deliberate process. This process with our community and both states has made our vision for this merger better."