The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a consent order regarding Ascension Health Alliance's proposed $3.9 billion acquisition of AmSurg LLC. This decision comes after concerns that the merger would reduce competition in the outpatient surgical services market.

As part of the consent order, Ascension is required to divest seven AmSurg ambulatory surgery centers located in Nashville, Tennessee; Panama City, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Waco, Texas; and Wichita, Kansas. Six of these centers will be sold to SC Affiliates, while the center in Panama City will be transferred to Florida Gastroenterology Center.

The FTC's complaint highlighted that the acquisition could lead to higher prices for surgical services and a decline in the quality of care, as well as stifling innovation in surgical services. The final consent order aims to prevent these potential negative outcomes by ensuring continued competition in the affected markets.

Additionally, the order imposes conditions on Ascension, requiring it to notify the FTC before acquiring any ambulatory surgical centers in the metropolitan areas surrounding the divested centers. After a public comment period, the Commission approved the final order with a 2-0 vote.