Judge rules Salem Health monopoly lawsuit can move forward

A Marion County Circuit Court judge has ruled that a lawsuit alleging Salem Health monopolized local heart care can move forward.

Judge James Edmonds on March 19 dismissed several claims in the suit brought by Oregon Heart Center, but ruled that the heart center’s allegations could show that Salem Health is unlawfully monopolizing heart care in the Salem area. That would require proving the claims at trial.

Oregon Heart Center first filed its $15 million…