Columbia, Mo.-based Boone Hospital Center said it will move forward independently after ending its 30-year operating agreement with St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare at the end of 2020, according to local TV station KOMU.
The Boone Hospital board of trustees said Aug. 19 the hospital will not enter into a partnership with a national healthcare provider after the contract ends. Brian Neuner, the board's president, said Boone's independence will give it "flexibility to partner with local physicians and other healthcare providers to better address patients' needs."
In addition to the announcement, Mr. Neuner said he is stepping down from this role. Bob McDavid, MD, former mayor of Columbia, will take over the role.
The board decided to end its contract with BJC in September 2018.
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