Special report on antitrust. Part One: Antitrust constraints on the creation and operation of joint ventures

In a few areas of the country the phrase "health care joint venture" is still almost unknown. In most areas, however, such ventures are becoming common, and in many parts of the country there is truly a plethora of joint venture activity in the industry. The antitrust treatment of the formation and operation of these affiliations is therefore an area of increased concern for industry executives. This first of a two-part series for the Newsletter will describe the general framework for an antitrust evaluation of a joint venture. Next month's article will discuss specific situations.