FAQ’s on Definitive Agreement with Hunterdon Health and Hackensack Meridian Health
Q: Why was Hackensack Meridian Health selected?
A: Throughout our evaluation process, we sought a partner that aligns with our mission, values, and commitment to community-based healthcare. We believe Hackensack Meridian Health offers strong clinical and operational capabilities and shares our commitment to:
- High-quality patient care
- Supporting physicians and employees
- Investing in communities
- Advancing healthcare access and innovation
- Preserving mission-driven healthcare
Q: What is a Definitive Agreement?
A: A Definitive Agreement is a binding contract that outlines the final terms and conditions between two organizations for a legal transaction.
Q. Does this mean the partnership is finalized?
A. While the definitive agreement has been signed, this does not mean the merger has closed. Signing a definitive agreement is an important milestone, but regulatory review and additional approvals must still occur before closing.
Q. What is the next step in the process?
A. Once government approvals at both the state and federal levels are completed and authorized, then we would move to the closing of the transaction.
Q. How long will this process take?
A. Typically, it may take 9-12 months from the signing of a definitive agreement until closing; however, the timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the review process and regulatory requirements. Additional information will be shared at the conclusion of the regulatory review.
Q. What approvals are required?
A. Completion of this transaction requires additional approvals, which may include state and federal regulatory agencies and other applicable oversight bodies. A final agreement cannot be completed until all necessary approvals are obtained.
Q. What would a partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health look like?
A. We are in deep discussions with our counterparts at Hackensack Meridian Health to evaluate all options that ensure long-term sustainability and continuation of our mission, our quality and continuum of care, and the implementation of an electronic medical records system.
Key Commitments in the Definitive Agreement
● $200 million capital investment: HMH will invest $200 million in strategic capital projects that improve access to care, including investments in Hunterdon facilities, programs, and the communities Hunterdon Health serves.
● $30 million Epic investment: HMH will fully fund the rollout of its Epic electronic health record across Hunterdon Health, including Hunterdon Medical Center, ambulatory sites, Hunterdon Medical Group, and participating independent physicians.
● Local governance and community voice: For six years after closing, Hunterdon will keep local board oversight. A Hunterdon representative will join the HMH Board of Trustees, and Hunterdon representatives will serve on other HMH boards and committees. A Hunterdon Community Advisory Committee will give local input on community health needs.
● Funds donated locally stay local: The Hunterdon Health Foundation will continue as a separate organization. It will honor donor intent, and money raised locally will continue to support Hunterdon Medical Center and its services.
● Physician and medical staff continuity: Hunterdon Medical Center will keep its own medical staff leadership and peer review. Hunterdon Medical Group will remain an employment option for physicians for at least five years. Hunterdon Health's clinically integrated network will continue for at least five years.
● Clinical growth: The organizations will jointly evaluate the expansion of clinical services and the ambulatory network in the Hunterdon region, as well as a physician recruitment plan.
● Accountability: A joint committee with equal representation from Hunterdon and HMH will monitor HMH's compliance with its key commitments.
Q. How will this process impact Hunterdon Health patients?
A. At this time, no immediate impacts to patients are expected. We continue to operate business as usual until the completion of the transaction.
Q. Why is this potential partnership good for patients?
A. A potential partnership could strengthen our ability to:
- Expand access to care
- Invest in advanced technologies
- Enhance clinical services
- Recruit and retain healthcare professionals
- Improve quality and patient outcomes
- Support long-term sustainability
- Access to more clinical trials
- Availability of more subspecialists
All decisions are guided by what is best for our patients and communities.
Q. Will our local community continue to have a voice?
A. Serving our communities remains central to our mission. One of the factors we considered when evaluating a potential partner was their commitment to community-based healthcare and local engagement. Hackensack Meridian Health was chosen because they rose to the top in every category, including this one. Governance and community representation discussions will continue through the rest of this process.