Mountain States Health Alliance Announces Acquisition of James H. Quillen VAMC

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Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) CEO Alan Levine held an unscheduled press conference today at noon today announcing acquisition of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center as part of the anticipated new Mountain States Health Alliance/Wellmont entity named Ballad Health.

"We see this as a landmark step in providing the best possible care to the people of our region. The recent actions by the U.S. Congress to reform VA healthcare created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to create a unique partnership between our not-for-profit medical alliance and a vibrant comprehensive VA medical center".

Changes in U.S. Code and June 2017 executive orders from the White House opened the door this kind of arrangment. It is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation.

The James H. Quillen VAMC, commonly referred to by its prior name as Mountain Home, was originally created in 1903 as the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The creation of a system of care for soliders and sailors was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. The medical center was a key ingredient in the creation of East Tennessee State University's College of Medicine via the Teague-Cranston Act of 1974.

The VAMC is one of the three largest employers in Washington County. It is the designated tertiary care hospital for a 41 county area in eastern Tennessee, southwestern Virginia and portions of easetrn Kentucky.

Levine declined to speculate on what impact the merger might have on current employees. "We have a responsibility to provide the best care at the right time and at the right place". He added, "Consolidation of services to create efficiency is our goal. Naturally, we want to fully utilize the talent, experience, and compassion of the current staff."

The Congresional Budget Office has not yet opined on the potential taxpayer savings.

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