Receiving an OK from the state Public Health and Health Planning Council last week was a significant step for the integration between WCA Hospital and UPMC Hamot, but the state’s regulatory process isn’t completed yet.

WCA Hospital officials will meet next with the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the Office of Mental Health. Betsy Wright, WCA Hospital, president and chief executive officer, said that both state agencies meet at the same time, but each has its own separate process for granting approval. She said that both organizations want to know if WCA will continue to offer both inpatient and outpatient clinical services after the integration with UPMC.

”The two agencies provide oversight to both programs,” Wright said. ”They want to know if we will be continuing our services. The answer is, ‘Absolutely we are.”’

Wright said the goal is to be on the June meeting agenda for both state agencies. She said after meeting with the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the Office of Mental Health, most of the regulatory process will be concluded.

”We are still identifying any additional licensing we need to get approved,” she said. ”We are still looking at the end of the summer, fall time (for integration completion). Definitely by the end of the year, (we will) close the transaction.”

Last week, the state Public Health and Health Planning Council and its subcommittee approved the merger. Last month, a decision by the council’s subcommittee Establishment and Project Review Committee was tabled for more deliberation after remarks against the merger were submitted late during the time open for public comment.

On June 9, the subcommittee reconvened during the meeting of the full council, which was available through a webcast on the state Health Department’s website. Prior to the vote, WCA Hospital, UPMC Hamot and UPMC officials had a chance to speak. Also, those opposing the merger had a chance to address the council.

Representatives from three unions – Service Employee International Union, New York State Nurses Association and Communications Workers of America – all spoke against the merger. The union representatives questioned UPMC about their insurance agreements and access to health care.

Wright said WCA officials have done their homework. She said because UPMC is working on agreements with the same insurance companies WCA has contracts with their should be no problem for Chautauqua County residents to access health care locally.

”We don’t believe there will be any challenges,” she said.

She said WCA participates with all the major insurance companies in Chautauqua County. She said the agreements run on a three-year cycle.

”We have a good relationship with the insurance (companies),” she said.

Wright said the goal of the affiliation between WCA and UPMC is to enhance services. In December, WCA and UPMC officials announced the signing of an affiliation to integrate agreement. If approved, WCA Hospital will be the first New York state hospital to integrate with UPMC. The new title for the health care facility will be UPMC Chautauqua at WCA.

As part of the agreement, UPMC has committed investing at least $25 million during the next 10 years to support enhancements at WCA. UPMC has also agreed to relieve WCA’s debt and cover its pension obligations, freeing up money for WCA capital improvements. The integration will also bring additional specialty services and programs to WCA Hospital.

”We are moving along with the approvals. Last week’s was a big approval to get behind us,” she said.