The Federal Trade Commission Has Issued A 45-Page Letter To The Virginia Department Of Health Opposing The Proposed Merger Of Mountain States Health Alliance And Wellmont Health System Into Ballad Health. Both Health Systems Are Claiming The F-T-C Is Repeating What They Call Errors And Misrepresentations, Included In A Document Also Sent To Tennessee Regulators. The F-T-C Is Concerned The Loss Of Competition Would Have Adverse Effects On The Region And The Cooperative Agreement And Should Be Denied. The Virginia Department Of Health Is Expected To Have A Decision On The Two Health Entities Cooperative Agreement By February 5th.