Samaritan-MultiCare Merger Set to Close Nov. 1

Samaritan Health Services’ affiliation with Washington-based MultiCare Health System is set to take effect Nov. 1, after Oregon regulators and other public agencies approved the deal or indicated they would do so. The nonprofits will begin a phased integration, creating an 18-hospital system, while Samaritan retains its name, local leadership and community-based governance. MultiCare has pledged at least $700 million over 10 years for Samaritan’s facilities, workforce and access to care; regulators’ approval includes conditions related to the partnership’s financial commitments and local healthcare. The organizations say patients and health plan members should not experience interruptions to care or coverage as integration begins.