Introduction

The federal trade commission is filing a lawsuit to stop the merger of rhode island's two largest health systems, care new england and life span. The action follows concern by state regulators about the proposed merger that was announced last february. Federal anti trust regulators are also expected to take action to halt another health care deal. Doctor paul farmer, a public health giant, dies at age 62. And health systems are anxiously waiting to see how medic care will pay for hospital care.