Henderson, Ky.-based Methodist Hospital Interim President and CEO Benny Nolen said the hospital still aims to partner with Deaconess, a six-hospital system in Evansville, Ind., according to The Gleaner.
Methodist and Deaconess attempted to create a joint venture partnership in 2015. However, the original agreement was never fully executed, according to the report.
Since taking over as interim president and CEO in March, Mr. Nolan said officials from both institutions have signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding, which he said was necessary for the organizations to engage in further discussions.
Mr. Nolan told The Gleaner he received a draft of an affiliation proposal from Deaconess. Methodist's board of directors have also reviewed the draft and formed a committee to assess its viability.
The committee will present its findings to the Methodist Hospital board and issue a recommendation at a later date, he said.