Ohio attorney general addresses Forum Health/Ardent proposal
YOUNGSTOWN — The state attorney general’s office says it will expedite its review of Ardent Health Services’ proposal to buy bankrupt Forum Health for $69.8 million and expects to have a decision within a few weeks.
Attorney General Richard Cordray, said, however, during a press conference this morning in his Youngstown office, that Forum being in bankruptcy makes it a relatively rare situation and complicates matters.
Normally, Cordray said, the decision of his office to approve or reject a proposal involving a nonprofit is final. In this case, however, the decision will be one of the factors at the disposal of U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kay Woods in deciding the case.
Cordray said the role of his office is to “stand in the shoes” of the people of the Mahoning Valley and ensure that key issues such as access to health care and long-term employment are addressed in the Ardent proposal. He said the same process would be followed with any subsequent proposals that come forward.
For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com