St. Luke’s Health System Facing Anti-Competition Law Suit

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Federal Trade Commission and Idaho Attorney General's office is suing St. Luke's Health System because they contend St. Luke's purchase of a Nampa health care group violates state and federal anti-competition laws.

Deputy Attorney General Brett DeLange said the lawsuit will be filed in Boise's U.S. District Court Tuesday afternoon. The state contends St. Luke's purchase of Saltzer Medical Group unfairly gives St. Luke's the market power to raise health care rates for the region. The state asked St. Luke's not to proceed with the purchase while the investigation unfolded, but the Boise-based company declined to wait.

St. Luke's officials say the company is disappointed by the lawsuit and that the acquisition of Saltzer Medical Group will improve patient care, help contain costs and ensure better health outcomes.