Massena (N.Y.) Memorial Hospital has solicited 17 different health systems for a potential affiliation once it privatizes, according to North Country Now.
CEO Robert Wolleben said the hospital hopes to select a potential affiliate by Oct. 2016. He declined to name the organizations in consideration.
While Massena has applied for a Certificate of Need, Mr. Wolleben said the board of managers is still "five months away from determining what an affiliation would look like," according to North Country Now.
The hospital is currently under consideration for a $5.8 million loan from the Department of Health to take care of its long-term debt, according to a second report in North Country Now. Mr. Wolleben said the loan approval is "contingent upon affiliating, which is contingent on privatization."
According to the second report, If the hospital remains independent, the DOH will demand reimbursement. Mr. Wolleben said the state would "probably take it from Medicaid reimbursements."