Advocate Aurora, Atrium merger hits snag

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect further action by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board.

The merger between Advocate Aurora Health and North Carolina-based Atrium health hit a regulatory hurdle Tuesday at an Illinois state board.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board opted to postpone action on a change of ownership request by Advocate Aurora Health to move its Illinois facilities to the new entity being created in its merger with North Carolina-based Atrium Health.

The decision came hours after the board initially voted to deny the plan, with board members saying they wanted additional operational information to clarify questions such as who would have controlling interest in the new entity.

Advocate Aurora officials said they will work with the review board to submit the necessary information to move forward on the plan, which is one of the final hurdles to clear before it can become official.