MeritCare-Sanford merger gets ND approval Eds: APNewsNow.

Fargo, N.D. (AP) North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem (STEN'-jum) has signed off on the merger of the two largest health systems in the Dakotas.

Fargo's MeritCare health system plans to merge with Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health. Stenehjem reviewed financial records and a consultant's study and concluded the merger would be in MeritCare's best interest.

Sanford vice president Mark Johnston says the Sanford and MeritCare boards are expected to meet soon, with an announcement expected Monday.

Once united, the Sanford-MeritCare service area will cover about 100,000 square miles, with a population of almost 1 million in parts of five states North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.

Stenehjem says his review authority was limited by law and he was not able to evaluate the effect of the merger on services.

Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-29-09 0738CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list