Saint Alphonsus Responds to Hospital Antitrust Case Ruling
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms
Judge Winmill’s Ruling in Favor of the Plaintiffs
Boise, Idaho – Today, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill’s ruling in favor of the plaintiffs in an antitrust case brought against St. Luke’s Health System, in response to their acquisition of Saltzer Medical Group in Nampa. The plaintiffs in the case included the Federal Trade Commission, Idaho Attorney General, Saint Alphonsus Health System, and Treasure Valley Hospital.
Saint Alphonsus Health System President and CEO, Rodney Reider, issued the following statement regarding the decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals:
“We are pleased with today’s decision. Competition is important to the creation of a vital healthcare environment and fosters innovation, choice, accessibility, and affordability.
“Filing the suit was a difficult decision for Saint Alphonsus. However, we believe it was the right decision for our patients and the communities we serve. We will continue to stay true to our mission, and focus on delivering the highest quality and most efficient care close to home,” Reider said.
Karl Keeler, CEO of the Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Nampa, issued the statement:
“This decision affirming the earlier ruling in favor of Saint Alphonsus provides a clear benefit to the citizens of Nampa. When consumers have choices, it raises the quality of care and requires providers to keep costs in check. Our hospital in Boise has been serving this community for nearly 100 years, and we will continue to collaborate with all physicians to provide high-quality health care for Nampa residents.”