Keokuk (Iowa) Health Systems and Des Moines, Iowa-based UnityPoint Health signed a non-binding agreement to begin talks about a potential affiliation between the two health systems, according to the Daily Gate.
According to the agreement, UnityPoint will become the sole corporate member of KHS, assuming accountability and responsibility for the system, including the system's annual budget, debt and any ongoing capital needs, such as renovations to the existing facility. KHS leadership will continue to run KHS' day-to-day operations.
The agreement also acknowledges that Quincy (Ill.) Medical Group, an independent organization affiliated with UnityPoint Health, will be able to expand its available clinical services in the community of Keokuk.
Discussions to procure an official agreement will start immediately, according to the article.