Portland-based MaineHealth revealed plans to integrate its affiliates under a single umbrella organization, according to the Press Herald.
Officials said nine of the health system's 10 affiliate organizations' boards of trustees approved the potential integration plan. One organization has yet to vote on the issue, according to the report.
Under the proposal, MaineHealth and its 10 nonprofit affiliates would integrate into a single organization with one board of directors to make decisions for the entire system. Each affiliate would retain a local board to provide feedback and recommendations to the parent board.
Officials said the health system has begun consolidating certain functions and departments, including human resources, health IT and finance. Certain physicians are also being shared among the hospitals.
Member organizations will hold community meetings for residents to discuss the proposal and obtain feedback, officials told the Press Herald. Each affiliate will also hold at least one public forum between now and Sept. 1.
Officials will issue a final decision on the proposal this fall. If approved, the updated management structure will be implemented in late 2018.