A trio of Michigan groups active on health and legal issues is raising objections to the proposed sale of the Detroit Medical Center to a for-profit company, reports the Detroit Free Press.

In a letter to the state’s attorney general, the Michigan Universal Health Care Network, the local clergy charity Moses, and Michigan Legal Services contend the planned purchase by Nashville’s Vanguard Health Systems violates state law and threatens continued care for the poor.

The Detroit hospital says the sale would provide $850-million for needed improvements and pay off the institution’s pension and bond debt. Attorney General Mike Cox must approve the deal.