Mountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health System announced Friday that they have requested and received more time to file for their Certificate of Public Advantage needed for their proposed merger.

The two health care providers are seeking the COPA from the Tennessee Department of Health despite opposition from the Federal Trade Commission.

A statement issued Friday by TDH Commissioner Dr. John Dreyzehner said the region's size and population combined with the involvement of two states makes the Wellmont/MSHA plan "an unprecedented proposal" and his department takes its role in the process very seriously.

Dreyzehner said the application is currently deemed not complete and a 120-day deadline provided to TDH for a decision has not yet started. That could push a reaction from Nashville back to late spring.

"Our objective is to ensure the record in both states reflects our vision for the improved health of our region and that the record strongly supports a positive outcome," said Alan Levine, president and CEO of Mountain States. "This is so important, and we are committed to leaving no doubt about our intent. This is not just about a merger. This is about a region coming together to make strides in solving our health care challenges."

The merger proposal was first announced nearly two years ago and have proposed the name of Ballad Health for the new system once approved.

"We have recognized from the beginning that this would be both complex and unprecedented," said Bart Hove, president and CEO of Wellmont. "We are working with thoughtful leaders throughout our health systems, in our community and in both states in this important and deliberate process. This process with our community and both states has made our vision for this merger better."