Idaho Media Want Open Proceedings in St. Luke’s Case

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho news organizations are seeking to open court proceedings to the public by intervening in a lawsuit between two big health care providers. On Wednesday, The Idaho Statesman in Boise, The Times-News in Twin Falls, The Associated Press, the Idaho Press-Tribune in Nampa and the Idaho Press Club asked U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill reverse a pretrial order closing the courtroom to some testimony.

The case pits the Idaho attorney general's office, the Federal Trade Commission and Saint Alphonsus Health System against St. Luke's Health System and its quest to purchase the Nampa-based Saltzer Medical Group.

St. Luke's says growth and consolidation will improve health care and lower costs. Saint Alphonsus and Treasure Valley Hospital, along with state and FTC attorneys, want to stop the acquisition, arguing it's anti-competitive.