This chapter applies to a merger agreement between hospitals located in a county that meets the following criteria:

1. (1) Has a population that is less than one hundred forty thousand (140,000) and is not contiguous to a county with a population of more than two hundred fifty thousand (250,000).
2. (2) Has only two (2) hospitals that are both in the statewide comprehensive trauma care system under IC 16-19-3-28 and one
3. (1) of the hospitals is a teaching hospital with a medical residency program.
4. (3) Is a predominately rural county.

As added by P.L.104-2021, SEC.2.