Merger oversight out, but whistleblower protections and CEO pay caps remain in NC hospital bill

The North Carolina Senate Healthcare Committee approved a hospital regulations bill that removed merger oversight provisions, which had been tied to the Atrium Health/WakeMed merger. Remaining provisions include whistleblower protections, non-compete clause restrictions, and nonprofit hospital CEO pay caps. Concerns about rising healthcare costs and issues at Mission Hospital following its acquisition by HCA Healthcare were cited as key motivations.