Idaho Hospitals Must Respond to Media Claims of Secrecy

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered two Idaho hospital groups to respond to claims by news organizations that some parts of a recent antitrust trial have been unjustly kept secret.

The Idaho Statesman reports Thursday's order gives the St. Luke's Health System, Saint Alphonsus Health System and other parties in the case 14 days to respond to the news organizations' complaint. The appellate court said the media groups raised "issues that warrant a response."

The Federal Trade Commission and St. Alphonsus contended in the trial that St. Luke's violated anti-trust laws and illegally hindered competition when the company purchased a large Nampa-based medical practice. The news organizations, including the Idaho Statesman and the  Associated Press, contend too much of the testimony and evidence was sealed.