MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota has proposed that it take over Fairview Health Services, the system that operates the university’s teaching hospital, a move that could pre-empt a merger between Fairview and Sanford Health.

University President Eric Kaler outlined the proposal in a letter to Fairview executives that the school released Thursday. Fairview has run the university’s medical center since 1997. Kaler said he’ll meet with Fairview executives next week.

The disclosure comes ahead of a hearing at the Capitol on Sunday on the potential merger between Minneapolis-based Fairview and Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health. Attorney General Lori Swanson said she’s concerned about an out-of-state organization taking over the Twin Cities’ second-largest hospital and clinic chain.

Fairview and Sanford Health officials have said their talks are only in the early stages.