Senate Bill 1602 is intended to provide MU Health Care with the benefit of a legal doctrine known as “state action immunity.” This doctrine would reduce antitrust uncertainty and allow MU Health Care to more quickly collaborate with health care providers within its 25-county service area. The goal is to create flexibility so partnerships can move forward in a timely manner to stabilize services and preserve long-term access to local care for Missouri communities.The need for this legislation is driven by the rapidly changing health care landscape in Missouri and the very real challenges facing hospitals across our state. Over the past decade, more than 20 hospitals have closed in Missouri, leaving many residents without local access to care. Four of those closures occurred in central Missouri — including Boonville, Fulton, Mexico and Sweet Springs — in just the past six years. These closures highlight the growing risk many communities face and the importance of acting...