Boston-based Massachusetts Eye and Ear will join Partners HealthCare, also in Boston.
Under the terms of the agreement, MEE will retain its name and hospital license and will remain a nonprofit organization with its own board of directors, executive leadership and medical and clinical staff.
"As we look to advance patient care, research and teaching in a rapidly changing healthcare environment, we believe the best strategic solution for [MEE] is to join an integrated healthcare system," said John Fernandez, president and CEO of Massachusetts Eye and Ear. "Given our long history of clinical and research collaboration with Partners' hospitals, this feels like a clear choice."
"By formally bringing [MEE] into the Partners family we can greatly strengthen the clinical and scientific relationships between our organizations," said David Torchiana, MD, president and CEO of Partners HealthCare. "Together we can make [MEE] services and research accessible to a broader population of patients, further improving the quality of life for thousands of individuals and families."
The agreement is subject to regulatory approval.