The Federal Trade Commission approved Madison-based University of Wisconsin Health's proposal to enter into a joint operating agreement with UnityPoint Health-Meriter, also in Madison, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
The agreement will expand the organizations' existing informal collaboration to include all clinical care.
"Although the organizations have reached important milestones in the process, nothing [will change] operationally today for patients, members or employees," the organizations said in a joint statement. Officials said once the deal closes, patients will have better access to the organizations' services and improved care coordination, among other changes.
Officials expect to close on the agreement this summer.