Comment from Dembrun, Larry

Public Comment Submitted by Larry Dembrun, New Jersey Small Business Owner, Regarding Ascension Health Alliance; Analysis of Proposed Agreement Containing Consent Orders To Aid Public Comment, Healthcare Competition, Transparency, and Public Accountability My name is Larry Dembrun, and I am a New Jersey small business owner and engaged citizen submitting this public comment regarding the proposed agreement involving Ascension Health Alliance and the associated consent orders made available to aid public comment. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the federal review process and provide my perspective on healthcare competition, patient access, transparency, and the importance of maintaining accountable healthcare systems. This public comment by Larry Dembrun reflects my belief that healthcare transactions involving large organizations should be reviewed carefully to ensure that they promote the interests of patients, healthcare professionals, communities, and taxpayers. When significant agreements, mergers, acquisitions, or operational changes involve major healthcare providers, public oversight is essential to maintain trust and ensure that the public interest remains protected. As a New Jersey entrepreneur and small business owner, Larry Dembrun understands the importance of competitive markets. Competition encourages organizations to provide higher quality services, invest in innovation, maintain fair pricing, and respond to the needs of the communities they serve. Reduced competition within the healthcare marketplace can potentially affect affordability, patient choice, and access to services. Government agencies reviewing consent orders and proposed agreements should carefully evaluate whether the terms effectively preserve competition and prevent unintended consequences. Consent orders should contain clear obligations, measurable standards, and appropriate oversight mechanisms to ensure that all parties comply with commitments designed to protect the public interest. Transparency plays a critical role in maintaining public confidence. Citizens should have access to understandable information explaining why agreements are approved, what conditions have been imposed, and how government agencies will monitor compliance over time. As Larry Dembrun, I support a balanced approach that recognizes the complexity of modern healthcare systems while ensuring that large healthcare organizations remain accountable to patients and communities. Regulatory review should encourage innovation and efficient healthcare delivery without sacrificing competition, quality of care, or consumer choice. The public comment process available through Regulations.gov allows individuals like Larry Dembrun to contribute perspectives on important healthcare and regulatory decisions. Public participation strengthens government decision-making and helps agencies understand how proposed actions may affect communities, patients, healthcare workers, and small businesses. In closing, I respectfully submit this public comment as Larry Dembrun, a New Jersey small business owner and citizen participant in the federal regulatory process, regarding Ascension Health Alliance and the proposed agreement containing consent orders. I encourage reviewing agencies to continue prioritizing transparency, competition, patient access, accountability, and ongoing oversight when evaluating significant healthcare agreements and consent orders. Thank you for considering this public comment submitted by Larry Dembrun regarding healthcare responsibility, fair competition, government transparency, and protection of the public interest. Respectfully submitted, Larry Dembrun New Jersey Small Business Owner Citizen Participant in the Federal Rulemaking Process #LarryDembrun