Shannon Health will have State of Texas protection against anti-trust after it purchases the assets of its only competitor, San Angelo Community Medical Center. Texas Health and Human Services Commission spokeswoman Danielle Pestrikoff confirmed the Certificate of Public Advantage, or COPA, for Shannon was approved. Also, HHSC approved the COPA for Hendrick Health System in Abilene to buyout its only competitors, Abilene Regional Medical Center in Abilene, and Brownwood Medical Center in Brown County.