The California DOJ has denied the proposed partnership between Adventist Health System/West and St. Joseph Health System. The health systems had previously announced the formation of a joint operating company in April 2018 to integrate clinical activities and services in Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Napa, and Solano Counties. In its decision, the California DOJ concluded the proposed transaction is not in the public interest, could increase health costs, and caused concerns over access and availability of services.