Louisiana-based LHC Group, Inc. and Brentwood-based LifePoint Health have finalized the formation of a joint venture focused on home health and hospice services across the country. The joint venture, which will operate LifePoint's home health agencies and hospices and select LHC Group agencies located near LifePoint hospitals, combines the experience and expertise of both companies, creating new opportunities for them to develop and expand post-acute services in the communities they serve.

The two companies announced a definitive agreement to share ownership and governance of a joint venture last November with that collaboration being finalized last month. Operationally, LHC Group will oversee day-to-day management of the joint venture's assets, which will ultimately include LifePoint's 20 home health and 10 hospice locations, as well as any future acquisitions. All home health agencies and hospices will continue to operate under their existing names, and there will be no changes in staff, location, contact information or referral processes.