A federal judge has rejected an effort by the Federal Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania Attorney General to block a proposed merger of Einstein Healthcare Network and Jefferson Health. The decision may be appealed.

More than two years ago, the two healthcare networks announced plans to merge. This proposed agreement would bring together two historically linked academic medical centers with a shared vision to improve the lives of the patients and the communities they serve.

Earlier this year, the FTC and the Pennsylvania Attorney General brought an action in Federal District Court in Philadelphia to prevent the proposed merger. Einstein believed this decision to be shortsighted and spent the last several months making its case to the Court, the FTC and the AG.

On December 8, U.S. District Judge Gerald J. Pappert rejected the rationale of the FTC and AG for blocking the merger. Einstein is eager to move forward, however, the organization must await a decision as to whether the FTC and Pennsylvania Attorney General will appeal the District Court decision.

Einstein believes the merger with Jefferson would be a significant step forward for patient care, wellness, and health sciences education that would benefit all of the combined communities through a focus on population health and on delivering care in the communities where patients live.