Shannon Medical Center to Host Annual COPA Public Meeting

SAN ANGELO, TX — Shannon Medical Center will host its annual public meeting on its Certificate of Public Advantage at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the second-floor Legacy Conference Room at 120 E. Harris Ave. 

The meeting is open to anyone in the Shannon service area. Officials will give a brief update, then take oral comments from participants. 

A Certificate of Public Advantage, or COPA, is a state authorization under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 314A. It allows qualifying hospitals in certain low-population counties, including Tom Green County, to merge with immunity from federal and state antitrust laws. The state issues a COPA when it finds the likely public benefits — maintaining or improving the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of health care — outweigh disadvantages from reduced competition. 

Shannon Health System received its COPA on Oct. 2, 2020, after acquiring the assets of San Angelo Community Medical Center. The Office of Public Insurance Counsel supervises hospitals operating under COPAs and requires public input as part of ongoing oversight. 

Shannon is accepting written comments through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at www.careforsanangelo.com.

For more information, visit careforsanangelo.com or email [email protected].