State regulators have approved York Hospital’s plan to join MaineHealth, clearing the way for the organizations to begin working together, according to an Aug. 10, 2026 joint York Hospital and MaineHealth news release.

The approval follows a comprehensive review through the state’s Certificate of Need process and by the Attorney General.

"It marks a significant milestone in a partnership aimed at preserving local access to high-quality care while expanding resources and services for the York community," said the news release.

The transaction is expected to close on October 1.

“For generations, York Hospital has been a trusted community institution defined by compassionate, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Patrick Taylor, chief executive officer of York Hospital. “This approval allows us to move forward with a partner who shares our commitment to ensuring patients in our region continue to receive excellent care close to home. I am so proud of the dedication and commitment of the York Hospital Board and all our caregivers that have brought us to this monumental point in our history.”

Leaders from both organizations emphasized that the integration would build on York Hospital’s deep community connections while providing the support of a broader, integrated system, according to the joint statement.

“York Hospital is a vital part of the health care landscape in southern Maine,” said Dr. Andy Mueller, chief executive officer of MaineHealth. “With this approval, we can begin the important work of bringing our teams together—listening, learning and building on the strengths that already exist—to better serve patients and communities.”

York Hospital and MaineHealth leaders said they were grateful to to the southern York County Legislative delegation in advocating for the merger.

"We greatly appreciate the efforts of the southern York County legislative delegation in support of this important step forward for York Hospital and MaineHealth," said Mueller. "Their voices added an important perspective to the state's regulatory review process. We look forward to continuing our work together to support access to care for the communities of southern York County."

As York Hospital joins MaineHealth’s Southern Region, the organizations will work collaboratively to ensure continuity for patients and support for care team members. Leaders underscored a shared commitment to maintaining inpatient services at York Hospital while strengthening primary care and expanding access to specialty care in MaineHealth’s network, according to the statement.

In the coming weeks, leaders from MaineHealth and its Southern Region will work closely with York Hospital’s leadership and care teams to support a thoughtful and transparent transition process. Both organizations emphasized their commitment to open communication and ongoing engagement with employees, patients and the community.

The partnership comes at a time when hospitals across Maine and the nation are facing increasing financial pressures, including rising labor and supply costs and ongoing reimbursement challenges, according to the news release. By joining MaineHealth, York Hospital will gain access to additional resources, infrastructure and clinical support to help ensure long-term sustainability.

Both organizations reaffirmed their shared goal: to build on York Hospital’s legacy while strengthening a regional system of care that improves access, quality and outcomes for the communities they serve.

“We are proud to welcome York Hospital into the MaineHealth family and begin this next chapter together,” said Mueller. “By bringing our teams, resources and shared commitment to patients together, we are advancing our MaineHealth vision of working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.”

MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, nine additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway, MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast. MaineHealth also includes MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NoDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.