Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the U.S., and Compassus, a national provider of home-based health care services, announced they have signed an agreement to form a 50/50 joint venture partnership for BSMH homecare and hospice. Under the agreement, Compassus will manage operations for 10 home health agencies and 11 hospice operations spanning five states.
“Bon Secours Mercy Health has a proud legacy of providing high-quality home health and hospice, and it has been our privilege to care for thousands of patients, helping them receive necessary care at the time and place that is appropriate for their well-being,” said Don Kline, chief operating officer, Bon Secours Mercy Health. “As the dynamic health care environment continues to evolve, we want to make sure we keep our patients at the center of everything we do, and finding the right partner for this important, specialized work has been essential to ensuring continuity of care well into the future. We are confident that we have identified a mission- and vision-aligned partner in Compassus that will help to fulfill our important commitment to caring for patients at every stage of life.”
“As community-focused organizations that share a commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care, we have a tremendous opportunity to leverage resources and collaborate on best practices to enhance care delivery,” said Compassus CEO David Grams. “We feel privileged to have the opportunity to partner with a pioneering health system like Bon Secours Mercy Health to advance well-being and honor quality of life.”
Compassus provides home-based services including home health, infusion therapy, palliative and hospice care. The company’s more than 6,000 team members serve more than 100,000 patients annually across more than 250 locations in 29 states. The company brings experience in managing similar partnerships; in 2020, Compassus became managing partner of Ascension at Home, a joint venture between Ascension and Compassus.
Under the agreement, BSMH will maintain ownership of its existing hospice house real estate assets in specific locations while Compassus will manage the operations. Both organizations are committed to ensuring safety and a smooth continuity of care for patients and their families. In addition, BSMH will work closely with Compassus to support the home health and hospice associates transferring to employment with Compassus. Under the joint venture, the team will continue to provide spiritually grounded care and will operate in accordance with Ethical and Religious Directives.
The agreement is subject to state and federal regulatory review and final diligence; however, the agreement formalizes the intent of both parties to move forward with the transition and integration.
