Regulatory entities approved the merger between Butler Health System and Clarion Healthcare System this week, paving the way for a Dec. 1 integration, according to a BHS news release today.

Starting next month, Clarion Healthcare System (CHS) will begin joining Butler Health System (BHS) as a subsidiary. Administrators for the two hospital groups signed an executive agreement in July to begin the merger after announcing their plans in February.

CHS includes Clarion Hospital, Health Services of Clarion, Clarion Development Corp. and Clarion Hospital Foundation.

In addition to a 24-hour emergency department, CHS also has an eight-bed inpatient rehab center, women's health and birthing services, advanced wound healing hyperbaric center, sleep lab, ICU and a cancer center.

BHS includes 72 outpatient locations in eight counties and employs more than 2,500 people, including about 200 physicians and advanced providers — making it one of the largest employers in Butler County.

Read more in Friday's Butler Eagle.