Athens Regional Health System is one step closer to finalizing an affiliation with Piedmont Healthcare after the Office of the Attorney General ruled in favor of the partnership agreement on Thursday. Effective Oct. 1, 2016 the hospital will become Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.
 
“Athens Regional, like Piedmont, was founded by physicians looking to improve the health of their community,” Kevin Brown, president and CEO of Piedmont Healthcare, said. “As a result, we share common values that will serve us well as we build upon Athens Regional’s success and expand access to high-quality, patient-centered care.”
 
Since announcing the terms of the partnership agreement in December 2015, officials with Piedmont and Athens have worked diligently to determine how best to align the organizations and meet the needs of the community.
 
“This is an exciting time for Athens Regional and those we serve. Athens Regional and Piedmont are growing stronger together and this community will only benefit from this partnership,” said Dr. Charles Peck, president and CEO of Athens Regional Health System.
 
Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General conducts a public review process for all transactions related to the acquisition of not-for-profit hospitals in Georgia. Piedmont has always received strong community support as was the case at the July 12 hearing. Athens Regional will be the seventh community hospital in Piedmont’s system.