Flemington, N.J.-based Hunterdon Health and Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health signed a definitive agreement Oct. 19 for Hunterdon to join the HMH network, according to a news release shared with Becker’s.
Here are eight things to know:
1. The two nonprofit health systems signed a letter of intent June 22 to explore a proposed merger.
2. Under the agreement, Hunterdon’s existing leadership will maintain daily operations. HMH will invest $200 million in strategic capital projects to improve care access at Hunterdon Health, including investments in the system’s facilities, programs and communities it serves.
3. HMH will invest $30 million to fully fund the rollout of its Epic EHR across Hunterdon Health, including Hunterdon Medical Center, ambulatory sites, Hunterdon Medical Group and participating independent physicians, the release said.
4. Hunterdon will maintain local board oversight for six years after the merger closes. A representative for Hunterdon will join the HMH Board of Trustees, with Hunterdon representatives also serving on other HMH boards and committees. Local input on community health needs will be provided through a Hunterdon Community Advisory Committee.
5. The Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation will also run as a separate organization under the agreement, with funds raised locally supporting Hunterdon Medical Center and its services. Hunterdon Medical Center will maintain its own medical staff leadership and peer review, and the Hunterdon Medical Group will remain an employment option for at least five years for physicians. The system’s clinically integrated network will also continue for at least five years.
6. HMH and Hunterdon Health will jointly evaluate clinical service and ambulatory network expansion in the Hunterdon area, including a physician recruitment plan. A joint committee with equal representation from both organizations will monitor HMH’s compliance with its commitments.
7. The merger requires state and federal regulatory approvals before closing, including review under New Jersey’s Community Health Care Assets Protection Act and federal antitrust review. Both parties will continue to run as independent organizations until closing.
8. “Hunterdon Health has a long history of excellent, community-centered care,” Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, said in the release. “By investing in facilities, technology, and clinical programs, we’ll help ensure patients in this region can receive leading-edge care close to home, backed by the resources of our entire network. We look forward to welcoming Hunterdon Health’s team members, physicians, and volunteers to the HMH family.”
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