PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Former Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello has been hired to work as a lobbyist for the state’s largest hospital system.

Lifespan hired Mattiello, a Cranston Democrat.

The House speaker is considered one of the most powerful offices in the state due to the chamber’s control of the state budget process.

Lifespan is seeking approval for a merger with Care New England.

Lifespan told The Boston Globe that Mattiello was registered as one of its lobbyists so they can engage him as needed, though he would not be lobbying on behalf of the merger.