The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved the merger of Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and KishHealth System in Dekalb, Ill., according to a Crain's Chicago Business report.
KishHealth signed a definitive agreement to join Northwestern Memorial in August. With the state regulatory board's approval, the two entities are one step closer to joining forces.
"With this important approval, both organizations will continue to work together to finalize this agreement with the anticipation of KishHealth becoming a member of Northwestern Medicine before the end of the year," said Christopher King, a Northwestern spokesman, according to the report.
The deal creates a six-hospital network that will provide care across eight Illinois counties.
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