Tenor Health says NEPA hospital purchase deal remains under Pa. Department of Health review

A month after Tenor Health Foundation expected to take over three local hospitals, the nonprofit's leader issued a statement Tuesday saying only the state's approval is delaying its plan.

“We stand ready to conclude the transaction and to successfully operate Wilkes-Barre General, Moses Taylor and Scranton Regional hospitals, however we await Department of Health approval,” Tenor CEO Radha Savitala said in a statement. "We are hopeful the approval is forthcoming within days."

Tenor and CHS signed a purchase agreement in October for the two Scranton hospitals and Wilkes-Barre General, expecting to close the deal by year's end if it secured funding.

On Tuesday, Savitala told WVIA News that Tenor applied for state Department of Health approval on Nov. 6, 2025, and requested an expedited review.

The department said the review continues, but did not say when it will be complete.

“The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to review the change-in-ownership application submitted by the Tenor Health Foundation regarding its interest in purchasing the hospitals currently owned by Commonwealth Health Systems. The process is ongoing,” the department told WVIA News in a statement.

...

In a statement, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Luzerne) said he hopes the state approves soon.

“My team and I have been working to find a solution for the hospitals since the beginning, and we will continue to do so until we cross the finish line,” said Bresnahan. “I implore the governor and his administration to do what is best for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania and ensure a continuity of care. Regional, Moses Taylor, and Wilkes-Barre General play a key role in our region’s healthcare and are a strong backbone of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s workforce.”

...