The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Monday approved bylaws and articles of incorporation bringing in the Omaha Community Foundation as an equal partner of Nebraska Medicine.
During the special meeting, the regents officially gave two spots on the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors to the Omaha Community Foundation from July 1 through Sept. 30. The university and the Omaha Community Foundation will work out details of the nonprofit’s involvement in Nebraska Medicine during the next few months.
“These bylaws, if passed, will remain in place while the university and the Omaha Community Foundation work together to negotiate the potential longstanding partnership in Nebraska Medicine governance and moving forward,” NU President Jeffrey Gold said ahead of the votes.
The approval solidified a previous resolution from the board earlier this month to bring in Omaha Community Foundation as a member of Nebraska Medicine. The bylaws and articles are contingent on the successful closing of an $800 million deal with Clarkson Regional Health Services, which is withdrawing its half of the ownership of Nebraska Medicine.
The deal is set to close Tuesday and includes Clarkson’s half of the hospital system and associated land and buildings. Clarkson will also make a $200 million donation to Project Health, a $2.19 billion inpatient hospital for Nebraska Medicine, as part of the deal.
The initial announcement of Clarkson’s withdrawal in January drew concerns and criticism from members of the Nebraska Medicine and Clarkson communities. University officials have continuously said the buyout would not mean a state takeover of Nebraska Medicine.
The two spots going to Omaha Community Foundation on the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors were initially held by Clarkson Regional Health Services.