The healthcare staffing industry may be on the cusp of another major consolidation with the potential acquisition of Cross Country Healthcare by Aya Healthcare. Recent policy changes have increased the likelihood that Aya Healthcare will proceed with its rumored purchase of Cross Country Healthcare (NASDAQ: CCRN).
Regulatory Shift Under the New Administration
The revocation of Executive Order 14036 by the Trump administration marks a significant shift in the regulatory environment for mergers and acquisitions. Originally implemented during the Biden administration, EO 14036 heightened scrutiny across all industries, including healthcare, to curb anticompetitive behavior and ensure fair market competition.
By rescinding this order, the current administration has effectively loosened regulatory constraints on M&A activity, opening the door for transactions that may have previously faced prolonged or heightened review.
Market Signals: The UnitedHealth–Amedisys Deal
A clear signal of this shift came immediately after the order was revoked. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) successfully closed its $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys (NASDAQ: AMED), a home health and hospice care provider. Following completion, Amedisys will be delisted from NASDAQ and fully integrated into UnitedHealth’s extensive healthcare portfolio.
The significance of this transaction extends beyond its size. As a much larger and potentially more antitrust-sensitive deal, its approval indicates a broader regulatory willingness to greenlight consolidation in the healthcare sector.
Implications for Aya and the Potential Acquisition of Cross Country
Against this backdrop, Aya Healthcare’s pursuit of Cross Country now looks increasingly viable. While speculation has surrounded this potential acquisition for months, the successful UnitedHealth–Amedisys deal suggests regulators may be far more accommodating than before.
For Aya, the acquisition would further solidify its dominance in the healthcare staffing market, providing scale, expanded client relationships, and deeper access to a critical workforce pipeline. For Cross Country, integration into Aya’s network could provide greater operational resources and resilience in a highly competitive sector.
Looking Ahead
While no official announcement has been made, the regulatory climate and recent precedent make a deal between Aya Healthcare and Cross Country far more likely. Healthcare stakeholders and investors should watch closely, as consolidation in this sector could have far-reaching implications for staffing, labor costs, and patient care delivery.