Then the antitrust protection would evaporate.

Under normal circumstances, those talks could have violated antitrust provisions. Those kinds of discussions can occur under the supervision of the commission.

We've certainly heard stories where patients are ready to go home but there are a lack of appropriate community options.

We need to expand the home and community-based service spectrum.

Many things are changing and have been changing. Up to this point, many of the changes have not been kind to the health-care system. That's why there have been so many bankruptcies and closures. Such an unstable system is not good for public health.

New York state is large, diverse and complex. You need people with detailed understanding and insights of what's happening in their areas.