New Independent Monitor Selected to Oversee 2019 HCA, Mission Health Deal

New independent monitor selected to oversee 2019 HCA, Mission Health deal

Dogwood Health Trust announced Affiliated Monitors, Inc. (AMI) as the new independent monitor to oversee HCA Healthcare’s compliance with its 2019 purchase agreement for the Mission Health System. AMI officially assumed the position on April 1, 2024.

Thorough Selection Process

Dr. Susan Mims, the CEO of Dogwood Health Trust, emphasized that AMI was chosen after a meticulous Request for Proposal (RFP) process. She highlighted AMI’s extensive experience in monitoring, which was a key factor in the selection. According to Dr. Mims, AMI’s sole focus on monitoring was a distinguishing characteristic that influenced the decision.

Previous Monitor Replacement

AMI replaces Gibbins Advisors, the prior independent monitor selected in October 2019. Dogwood Health Trust decided to transition to a new monitor in January 2024 citing a shift in the scope of work. The change came in the wake of a lawsuit filed by the North Carolina Attorney General against HCA Healthcare, claiming non-compliance with the 2019 purchase agreement they entered into for Mission Health.

Optimistic Partnership

Vin DiCianni, the president of AMI, expressed a commitment to understanding the challenges faced by Dogwood, HCA, the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the communities served by the hospitals. DiCianni stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure successful execution of the Asset Purchase Agreement objectives and conveyed a readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders involved.

Attorney General’s Approval

The North Carolina Attorney General, Josh Stein, endorsed Dogwood Health Trust’s selection of AMI as the new independent monitor. Stein emphasized the importance of having a strong, independent, and transparent monitor to hold HCA accountable and uphold its commitments, ultimately guaranteeing access to high-quality healthcare for the people of western North Carolina.

Expert Team

AMI’s team leading the oversight includes Gerald Coyne, a former deputy attorney general for Rhode Island, Denise Moran, the firm’s director of healthcare monitoring services, and Jeff Brickman, a seasoned hospital administrator with a background in managing acute care hospitals.

Future Collaboration

Representatives from Dogwood Health Trust and the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office affirmed their cooperation with the new independent monitor to ensure compliance with the asset purchase agreement. The focus remains on safeguarding the provision of high-quality healthcare services to the local community.

Conclusion

The appointment of Affiliated Monitors, Inc. as the independent monitor signals a fresh approach to overseeing HCA Healthcare’s commitments in the Mission Health System acquisition deal. With a dedicated team and collaborative spirit, stakeholders aim to uphold transparency, accountability, and quality in healthcare delivery for the benefit of the western North Carolina community.