Minnesota AG to Hold Hearings on Fairview Merger

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson will hold hearings beginning next week to probe South Dakota-based Sanford Health’s possible acquisition of Minnesota-based Fairview Health Services.

The two systems are in talks that could lead to a merger and Swanson said in a statement she is concerned that the decision is being made in private by a handful of officials from both organizations without public scrutiny.

Fairview established a connection to the University of Minnesota Medical Center and Clinics under a 1997 affiliation agreement that runs through 2026 and may be renewed for another 60 years. The university trains about 70% of Minnesota doctors.

Fairview generates about $2 billion of revenues annually.

“Fairview is an integral part of our health care system and exists because of 100 years of goodwill, generosity, and financial support of the people of Minnesota. There should be significant public dialogue about any potential transfer of control of this century-old Minnesota charitable institution to Sanford Health of South Dakota,” she said in a statement.

The AG office provides oversight of charitable organizations.

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