Prestonsburg, Ky.-based Highlands Health System and Lexington, Ky.-based Appalachian Regional Healthcare have signed a letter of intent to merge.
Under the agreement, 192-bed Highlands Regional Medical Center and other Highlands Health facilities, including outpatient services, will be integrated into the ARH system Highlands Regional Medical Center will operate under a new name, Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, and become the 12th hospital in the ARH system.
The two systems hope to finalize the transaction by early 2018.
"ARH is committed to providing our patients an unparalleled experience as the most trusted home for healthcare," said Joe Crossman, president and CEO of ARH. "To do this, we continue to build upon the passion and dedication of our talented staff and the unmatched quality of the care we provide. We are excited that the Highlands team will be a part of the ARH system and our long-term plans for the future of healthcare in eastern Kentucky."