University of Maryland Medical System Finalizes St. Joseph Merger

The University of Maryland Medical System will take over operations of St. Joseph Medical Center starting Dec. 1.

The Towson hospital, at 7601 Osler Drive, was previously part of Colorado-based Catholic Health Initiatives.

According to a news release, Catholic Health Initiatives will continue to manage St. Joseph until the actions needed to transfer the hospital's assets are completed, pending regulatory approval.

As part of the the acquisition, the hospital will be renamed University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center.

The chariman of the board for the new organization will be former Maryland state Sen. Francis X. Kelly and the vice chairman will be Edward Gilliss, the current St. Joseph board chairman, the release states.

St. Joseph's board of directors recommended a buyer for the hospital in March.

The hospital's troubles in recent years include investigation and litigation after a star cardiologist allegedly implanted stents in hundreds of patients who may not have required them. In October, Dr. Mark Midei filed a lawsuit against the hospital on defamation claims related to the scandal.

In 2010, the hospital paid $22 million to federal authorities to settle kickback charges. In January, hospital officials announced 17 layoffs.

Patch editor Tyler Waldman contributed to this report.