In brief: FTC addresses abandoned clinic bid
The Federal Trade Commission has released a statement regarding Providence Health Care’s abandoned effort to purchase two cardiology practices in Spokane.
FTC staff, along with the antitrust division of the Washington attorney general’s office, investigated the deal and “expressed serious concerns to the parties regarding possible anticompetitive effects of the transactions that could increase health care costs in the Spokane area.”
Providence, which operates Sacred Heart Medical Center and Holy Family Hospital, announced last summer intentions to buy the clinics and employ the physicians and other staff.
After the FTC’s preliminary conclusion was delivered, Providence dropped its effort to buy the clinics. The FTC then closed its investigation.
The FTC acknowledged the potential cost savings to physicians, hospitals and in some cases, patients, through such consolidations. Some arrangements, however, “can create highly concentrated markets that may harm consumers through higher prices or lower quality of care.”
Historic homestead gets protections
A historic homestead abutting the Morton Slough Wildlife Refuge east of Sandpoint will be protected from future development through a conservation easement.
The 616-acre parcel is owned by Virginia and Orrin Overland. Farming, ranching and timber harvest will continue to take place on the property, but intensive development is prohibited.
“It’s pretty well unspoiled land,” said Virginia Overland, whose parents first bought the property in 1928. “We feel it is necessary to save this piece for the wildlife.”
Elk, black bears and cougars use the property, and more than 2,000 birds have been counted on the Morton Slough in a single day.
The Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Conservancy and Idaho Department of Fish and Game worked with the Overlands on the conservation easement. The money to buy the development rights came from the Equinox Foundation in partnership with the Inland Northwest Community Foundation.
Volunteer effort aims to stamp out weed
Local residents are invited to help stop the spread of flowering rush – Lake Pend Oreille’s latest aquatic invader – during a public work party at 1 p.m. April 23 at Sandpoint City Beach.
The weed and its root wad must be dug up and removed to prevent spreading. Participants should bring boots, gloves, shovels and buckets. The work party will be canceled in the event of rain.
To sign up or for more information, call the Bonner County Weed Department (208) 263-3175 or email lakescommission@gmail.com.