MISSION CONDITION.

• Author: Mildenberg, David
• Position: STATEWIDE: West

The $1.5 billion purchase of Asheville-based Mission Health gained the support of N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein after negotiations that led to concessions from buyer HCA Healthcare. Mission had hoped to complete the deal by Jan. 1, but Stein's study extended the process. Federal Trade Commission approval was pending at press time.

HCA's effort marks the biggest incursion by a for-profit company into the N.C. hospital industry. Mission disclosed the sale last spring after CEO Ronald Paulus doubted it could remain competitive in the consolidating health care industry without a larger partner.

HCA pledged to continue existing services at the system's five regional hospitals for at least 10 years, twice the time originally approved by Mission's board. It also will construct a new Angel Medical Center in Franklin and a 120-bed behavioral health facility in Asheville. The company is naming a monitor to review compliance with...