Roger Leonard, chairman of Wellmont Health, said although the approval process has taken longer than expected, the waiting has improved the health systems’ relationship.
“We’ve gotten to know each other a lot better,” Mr. Leonard said. “I think there’s been a lot of trust built.”
Mr. Leonard said he expects regulatory officials to issue a decision on the merger in October, according to the report. Health officials in Virginia and Tennessee previously said they would issue a final decision no later than Sept. 19.
The organization initially filed their proposed merger with regulatory authorities in 2014.
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