UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20580

Office of the Secretary

October 29, 1996

Catherine Grow, Esquire
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation
One Park Plaza
P.O. Box 550
Nashville, Tennessee 37203

Re: Columbia\HCA Healthcare Corporation, Docket No. C-3619

Dear Ms. Grow:

This is in reference to the Application for Prior Approval of Divestiture ("Application") filed on behalf of Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation ("Columbia"), seeking Commission approval of the proposed divestiture by Columbia of Denton Community Hospital to NetCare Health Systems, Inc.

After consideration of Columbia's Application and other available information, the Commission has determined to approve the proposed divestiture as set forth in Columbia's Application. In according its approval, the Commission has relied upon the information submitted and the representations made in connection with Columbia's Application and has assumed them to be accurate and complete.

By direction of the Commission.

Donald S. Clark
Secretary

cc:
Ky P. Ewing, Esquire
Vinson & Elkins
The Willard Office Building
1455 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004-1008