Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is expected to come under the umbrella of Mission Health in coming months.

The Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is current a stand-alone, independent hospital, but has been engaged in talks with Mission for a year about entering an affiliation.

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is now on the verge of finalizing a deal with Mission. The two signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding last month as they enter the final throes of due diligence. The memorandum outlines the major terms of the proposed relationship between HCH and Mission Health and sets the stage for the final negotiation of terms.

“Mission Health is invested in our community, and our membership with Mission Health positions us well for the future so that we can keep physicians in our local community, ensure that our facilities in Highlands and Cashiers remain current and continue to deliver the outstanding local care our patients have come to expect from their hospital,” said Craig James, President and CEO of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.

Under the terms of the proposed agreement, the local hospital board of trustees will maintain a strong, long-term voice in the strategic direction of the hospital.

Mission Health and Highland-Cashiers Hospital will now enter into a more detailed, joint planning process to define and quantify the initiatives and resources that will be required to address existing and future needs of the HCH service area. The planning process will focus on capital requirements, medical service providers and new and expanded services. It will also drive the long-term investment plan for HCH facilities, providers and programs.

Angel Medical Center in Franklin recently came under ownership of Asheville-based Mission Hospital as well. The hospitals in Brevard, Spruce Pine, and Marion are also owned by Mission.