Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced on Thursday that as part of its acquisition of Hallmark Health Centers, Partners Healthcare agreed to additional concessions, including a price cap for six-and-a-half years and an agreement to maintain mental health services.
The amendment follows a report issued by the Health Policy Commission on Sept. 3 that was part of an anti-trust investigation into Partners' market conduct and proposed acquisitions.
“These additional concessions will mitigate the potential for higher prices related to this transaction and ensure that mental health treatment remains fully accessible to the surrounding community,” Coakley said.
In addition to the price cap and preservation of behavioral health services, the amended consent judgment includes addressing potential problems with out-of-network referrals during the implementation of Partners’ information technology systems and the requirement that a compliance monitor review Partners’ commercial risk business, which is subject to a Total Medical Expense restriction.
The amended consent judgment will be reviewed by Judge Janet Sanders, of the Suffolk Superior Court, on Sept. 29.