Attorney General’s Office seeking public comment on Banner Health acquisition of North Colorado Medical Center

Sept. 6, 2019 (DENVER, Colo.)— Starting today, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office will be soliciting public comment on Banner Health’s proposed acquisition of North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC).

Under Colorado law, § 6-19-203(1) C.R.S., the Attorney General is obligated to review the transaction and ensure it will not result in a material change in the charitable purposes to which the assets of the hospital have been dedicated, and that assets don’t leave the state. In making this determination, the Attorney General must also consider whether there are reductions in the availability or accessibility of health care services in the communities served by the hospital. Weld County citizens and others can submit concerns and information to NCMC.PublicComment@coag.gov through Sept. 27.

Weld County officials elected to sell their ownership of NCMC to Banner Health in early August. According to the proposed terms of the transaction, Banner Health will acquire land and assets, and proceeds from the transaction will be used to pay off existing hospital debt. The proposed closing date for the transaction is Sept. 30.

“Banner Health has expressed its commitment to supporting healthcare in Northern Colorado,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “Our office’s duty is to carefully evaluate the proposed transaction and ensure that it is carried out legally and in a way that preserves its nonprofit healthcare mission and keeps assets in the state of Colorado. This public comment period is an opportunity for concerned citizens to have their voices heard in this process and for our office to make a more informed decision.”

Weiser will also be hosting a town hall in Greeley on Sept. 27. It will be held in the Cornerstone Building at Aims Community College from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Residents are welcome to attend and share their thoughts on the transaction or on any other issue of concern.

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CONTACT:

Lawrence Pacheco, Director of Communications

(720) 508-6553 office | (720) 245-4689 cell

Email: Lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov