The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has recently altered the membership of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors following a lawsuit filed by the board itself.This restructuring comes as part of a broader strategy related to an $800 million acquisition deal with Clarkson Regional Health Services, which has been met with legal challenges from Nebraska Medicine.
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nebraskapublicmedia.orgnebraskaexaminer.comOriginally, the Nebraska Medicine Board included 13 members, but the new configuration will consist of just eight members.The change is aimed at facilitating the transition toward the University of Nebraska (NU) becoming the sole owner of Nebraska Medicine.In a joint statement, the university and Clarkson expressed "serious concerns" regarding the actions of the Nebraska Medicine Board, particularly the recent lawsuit against both entities.
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nebraskapublicmedia.orgnebraskaexaminer.comThe statement highlighted that while the intention was to maintain the existing board structure through the transaction, the circumstances necessitated these changes to protect the organization's reputation and stability.The current interim board is expected to uphold Nebraska Medicine's charitable mission and ensure its future effectiveness.
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nebraskapublicmedia.orgwowt.comSignificant figures from the previous board, including retired Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz and Nebraska Medicine CEO Michael Ash, have been removed from the new board.The interim board is now chaired by Interim University of Nebraska Medicine Chancellor Dele Davies, and includes Dr William Lydiatt, CEO of Clarkson Regional Health Services; Stephanie Moline, retired executive vice president of FNBO; and NU President Jeffrey Gold.
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nebraskapublicmedia.orgwowt.comThe restructuring follows a lawsuit filed by Nebraska Medicine just a day after the Board of Regents voted to pursue the acquisition deal.The lawsuit aims to prevent the Regents from finalizing the ownership transfer, which Nebraska Medicine argues violates joint agreements and governing documents established between the parties.
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nebraskaexaminer.comklkntv.comThe acquisition deal itself entails a payment of $500 million for the university to buy out Clarkson's 50% stake in Nebraska Medicine, along with an additional $300 million for related properties.Furthermore, Clarkson has committed to donating $200 million to support "Project Health," a significant initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare in Omaha.
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nebraskaexaminer.comklkntv.comBoth the University of Nebraska and Clarkson have expressed disappointment over Nebraska Medicine's legal actions, describing them as unnecessary and counterproductive.They reaffirmed their commitment to a collaborative approach aimed at strengthening healthcare in Nebraska.
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unmc.eduklkntv.comAs negotiations continue, the interim board is expected to operate until the acquisition deal is fully finalized, with a target date set for June 30.The restructuring has raised concerns among former Nebraska Medicine leaders, who argue that the current governance model provides essential safeguards against rapid changes that could impact healthcare delivery.
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wowt.comklkntv.comDespite these challenges, the University of Nebraska asserts that the changes will not alter day-to-day operations at Nebraska Medicine and that it will remain a nonprofit organization, continuing its mission to deliver high-quality healthcare.
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nebraskapublicmedia.orgunmc.eduThe situation is under scrutiny by the Nebraska Attorney General's office, which is investigating the actions taken by the Board of Regents amid the ongoing legal dispute.As this complex situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely watching how these changes will impact the future of healthcare governance in Nebraska.
