Media Release

CONTACT: Robert J. Marshall, Ph.D. 401-222-2231
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: September 12, 2000

Health Department Comments on Withdrawal of Lifespan/Care New England Merger

Earlier today Lifespan and Care New England withdrew their application for a proposed merger from further consideration by the Attorney General. If the Attorney General had approved the merger application, it would have come before the Department of Health (HEALTH). The application would have been reviewed under the Hospital Conversion Act and the Health Facility Licensing Act. HEALTH retained consultants and was prepared to review the application.

"This application represented a very significant change to the health care system of Rhode Island," said Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, RI Director of Health. "The withdrawal of the application does not mean that other mergers and affiliations will not be proposed in the future. The Hospital Conversion Act requires both compelling patient care and business reasons for such changes. Successful applications must ensure health care quality, access and affordability for all Rhode Islanders."