The FTC Recommends North Carolina Lawmakers Drop Proposed Legislation That Would Exempt the University of North Carolina Health System From Federal Antitrust Laws

North Carolina's state Senate passed a bill in early May that would grant the UNC health system immunity from federal antitrust laws. The FTC sent a letter on June 5 to members of the state's House Health Committee warning that the exemption could lead UNC health to enter into murders, acquisitions and joint contract negotiations. Proponents have said it would allow UNC health to partner with and potentially save troubled rural hospitals instead of waiting until they close before being able to buy them.