St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck has signed an agreement with Catholic Health Initiatives to become a “direct affiliate” of the CHI health system.
This is the next step in the process announced earlier this year that the two health systems were looking at affiliation.
"Now everything is in the hands of the regulatory boards," said Julie Jeske, the vice-president for community service at St. A’s. "It's a wait and see."
Jeske says the two organizations have met with the state Attorney General's office. The Attorney General has up to 120 days to review the agreement.
The two organizations have also agreed to form a regional coordinated health care system with its hospitals and clinics. That system would include hospitals in Carrington, Williston, Dickinson, Garrison, Turtle Lake, Devils Lake and Bismarck – and clinics in Washburn, Lincoln, Mandan and Minot.