On Nov. 6, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) modified its Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR) rules to clarify that transfers of patent rights within the pharmaceutical industry constitute potentially reportable asset transactions even if patent holders retain limited manufacturing rights or …
FTC Urges State to Ease Up on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
April 23, 2015 Leave a Comment
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) published comments in response to a Missouri state legislative proposal to modify rules and regulations on collaborative practice arrangements between physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). The FTC called on Missouri to consider further …
Ninth Circuit Denies Rehearing to St. Luke’s Health System
April 22, 2015 Leave a Comment
The Ninth Circuit will not reconsider its decision to force St. Luke’s Health System to unwind its purchase of Saltzer Medical Group, the largest physician practice group in the relevant Idaho market. The ruling leaves in place a victory for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the merger row. In February, …
FTC Remains Focused on Health Care in 2015
April 20, 2015 Leave a Comment
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) recently published its annual highlights, revealing that health care remains a top priority for the Commission. The FTC reported that nearly half of its enforcement actions for the preceding five years focused on the health care industry, including …
U.S. Supreme Court Denies Antitrust Protection for State Professional Boards
February 25, 2015 Leave a Comment
In a 6-3 decision in North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners v. Federal Trade Commission, the United States Supreme Court ruled today that state professional boards comprised of active professionals in the occupation the board regulates cannot invoke state-action antitrust immunity unless the board is …
FTC Approves Divestiture of Medical Center as Part of Acquisition Settlement
December 20, 2014 Leave a Comment
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved an application by Community Health Systems (CHS) to sell Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center and its associated assets in Hartsville, South Carolina to Capella Healthcare, Inc. The sale is one of two divestitures required by the FTC to settle allegations that …