[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 125 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 33509]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-16477]


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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Dkt. C-3619]


Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation; Prohibited Trade Practices, 
and Affirmative Corrective Actions

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Consent order.

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SUMMARY: In settlement of alleged violations of federal law prohibiting 
unfair acts and practices and unfair methods of competition, this 
consent order permits, among other things, Columbia/HCA and 
Healthtrust, Inc. to merge, provided that Columbia/HCA divests seven 
hospitals within twelve months (nine months for the divestiture of 
three hospitals in the Salt Lake City area), and requires the 
respondent to terminate its participation in a joint venture with the 
Orlando Regional Health System. In a modification of the consent 
agreement, this consent order replaces a prior-approval requirement 
with a prior-notice provision that requires the respondent, for ten 
years, to notify the Commission before acquiring another acute care 
hospital in any of the six market areas at issue, and before 
transferring an acute care hospital in any of the areas to another 
entity that already operates one in that area.

DATES: Complaint and Order issued October 3, 1995.\1\
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    \1\ Copies of the Complaint and the Decision and order are 
available from the Commission's Public Reference Branch, H-130, 6th 
Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Oscar Voss, FTC/S-3115, Washington, D.C. 20580. (202) 326-2750.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On Tuesday, May 23, 1995, there was 
published in the Federal Register, 60 FR 27292, a proposed consent 
agreement with analysis In the Matter of Columbia/HCA Healthcare 
Corporation, for the purpose of soliciting public comment. Interested 
parties were given sixty (60) days in which to submit comments, 
suggestions or objections regarding the proposed form of the order.
    Comments were filed and considered by the Commission. The 
Commission has ordered the insurance of the complaint, made its 
jurisdictional findings are entered an order to divest in disposition 
of this proceeding.

(Sec, 6, 38 Stat. 721; 15 U.S.C. 46. Interpret or apply sec. 5, 38 
Stat. 719, as amended; sec. 7, 38 Stat. 731, as amended; 15 U.S.C. 
45, 18)
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 96-16477 Filed 6-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-M