(1) The attorney general may review any notice and filing made under this part 4 and assess whether the proposed transaction complies with the requirements of section 6-19-403.
If, after review and assessment, the attorney general concludes that all of the requirements of section 6-19-403 have been met, the attorney general shall issue a written assessment and conclusion to such effect on the proposed transaction. If the attorney general concludes, after discussions with the parties to the transaction, that all of the requirements of section 6-19-403 have not been met, or if the attorney general is unable to conclude whether or not all of the requirements of section 6-19-403 have been met, the attorney general shall issue a written assessment and conclusion to such effect on the proposed transaction. Such nonconclusive or noncomplying assessment and conclusion shall include specific findings on each of the requirements of section 6-19-403. The attorney general may also issue a written statement that a formal assessment and review has not been determined necessary for the covered transaction or that the transaction does not constitute a covered transaction.
The attorney general may challenge any proposed transaction at any time throughinjunction, declaratory order, or otherwise, in the district court of the jurisdiction in which the nonprofit entity proposing the transaction has its principal place of business or where the hospital involved in the transaction is located. If the attorney general's assessment and review under this section is challenged in court, the attorney general's conclusions shall be the focus of the review by the reviewing court and shall be given strong deference by such court. The burden shall be upon the proponents of the transaction to establish that the attorney general's conclusions are not in conformance with statutory provisions. The court shall have the power to issue whatever orders are necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of section 6-19403.
Source: L. 98: Entire article added, p. 528, § 1, effective April 30.