The Southwest Virginia Health Authority Has Made Recommendations To The State’s Health Commissioner Concerning A Proposed Merger Between Wellmont Health System And Mountain States Health Alliance. State Delegate And Health Authority Member Terry Kilgore Said The Group Reviewed The Certificate Of Public Advantage Or COPA Approved Last Month By Tennessee Health Officials. The Board Decided To Include Some Of Tennessee’s Recommendations In Its Final Decision Which Included Making Sure The Rural Medical Facilities Of The Chain Are Not Burdened With Extra Costs And More Protection For Employees. Virginia Health Officials Are Expected To Decide On The Merger By The End Of The Month.