The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
  (1) Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA)--The written approval by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) that governs a cooperative agreement between hospitals that are party to a merger.
  (2) Hospital--A nonpublic general hospital that is licensed under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 241 and is not maintained or operated by a political subdivision of this state.
  (3) Merger Agreement--An agreement among two or more hospitals for the consolidation by merger, or other acquisition or transfer of assets, by which ownership or control over substantially all the stock, assets, or activities of one or more previously licensed and operating hospitals is placed under the control of another licensed hospital, or hospitals, or another entity that controls the hospitals.
  (4) Terms or conditions--Any actions or measures that HHSC may require as a condition for issuing a COPA or allowing continued operation under a COPA.

Source Note: The provisions of this §567.2 adopted to be effective October 25, 2020, 45 TexReg 7588; amended to be effective January 1, 2023, 47 TexReg 8724