The debate over SB34 is not the first time a contentious political fight has surrounded Intermountain Health Care.

"We've been the subject of some interest up here for years, although the intensity has increased the last three or four, " said John T. Nielsen, IHC senior legal counsel and director of government relations.

It's almost human nature to want to bring down the big guy. And Nielsen believes IHC's size is one reason some legislators or groups have it in their cross hairs.

IHC has 20 hospitals, one in Idaho. The chain has some of the most recognized names in Utah health care, including Primary Children's Medical Center and LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, and McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden.

The nonprofit, 501c3 firm is now building a $362.5 million, nine-building campus in Murray, as well as just announcing a joint cancer-fighting program with the Huntsman Cancer Hospital at the University of Utah.

Nielsen says IHC, while not large by some nationwide standards, is considered the nation's No. 1 "integrated" hospital chain. IHC has hospitals, health insurance plans and doctor associations.

"We believe providing an integrated system is the most cost-effective and medically effective way to operate — a better overall product," Nielsen said.

But it's that very comprehensive system that has led some IHC critics to try to control, or even break up, the monolith.

Like other groups, IHC courts legislators as it tries to get its message across.

It has close associations with five lawmakers. Freshman Rep. Tim Cosgrove, D-Salt Lake, is a Primary Children's employee. Sen. Al Mansell, R-Sandy, sits on IHC's Salt Lake County consolidated board, Nielsen said. Sen. Paula Julander, D-Salt Lake, also sits on that board, which oversees all IHC facilities in the county. Julander just resigned her Senate seat for health reasons.

Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, and Rep. Steve Clark, R-Provo, sit on the Utah County consolidated board, Nielsen said.

"It is all volunteer; board members are not paid. They don't get discounted health care. . . . They get no perks," Nielsen said.

Besides Nielsen, a well- respected former Utah Public Safety Department commissioner, IHC has a stable of a dozen or so contract lobbyists, people brought in to handle specific issues. The State Elections Office lists as IHC lobbyists former tax Commissioner Roger Tew, former Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor Alan Dayton, former Senate President Cap Ferry and wife, Sue, and former state Sen. Fred Finlinson, among others.

---

E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com