Judge approves sale of small central Pennsylvania hospital by Tennessee-based for-profit

A judge has approved the takeover of a small central Pennsylvania hospital by a for-profit company based in Tennessee.

Blair County Judge Elizabeth Doyle approved the sale of Nason Hospital in Roaring Spring to LifePoint Hospitals of Brentwood, Tennessee after a hearing Wednesday.

Under the deal, LifePoint will acquire the hospital about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh on Jan. 31.

The hospital will remain part of the Conemaugh Health System in Johnstown, which means it will continue to provide regional access to that network's services.

Nason Hospital was founded 115 years ago, but officials doubted the facility could remain independent due to the rising costs of technology and recruiting physicians.

The hospital's board has been considering such a move since 2008.