The Georgia Attorney General’s Office has approved the integration of Houston Healthcare into the Emory Healthcare system, clearing the way for the Warner Robins-based provider to officially join the Atlanta-based academic health network.

The move follows a regulatory process that began in August 2024, when the two systems signed a letter of intent to explore a partnership. A definitive agreement was finalized in February 2025, outlining terms of the affiliation.

With regulatory approval now in place, the organizations are completing the remaining administrative steps to finalize the transaction.
“We are excited we have reached this important milestone to bring our two organizations together,” said Dr. Joon S. Lee, CEO of Emory Healthcare. “The unification of our two health systems will allow us to strengthen and grow our services for patients in central Georgia, while providing continuous high-quality health care to the communities who need us most.”

Houston Healthcare operates two hospital campuses, seven outpatient facilities, and nine physician practices, with a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees and 200 physicians. It serves more than 300,000 patients annually across central Georgia.

“This new affiliation with Emory Healthcare will help us reinforce our commitment of providing exceptional care and patient-focused services in Warner Robins, Perry and the surrounding areas,” said Charles G. Briscoe, president and CEO of Houston Healthcare.

Emory Healthcare is the state’s largest academic health system, with more than 26,000 employees and 10 hospitals, including its joint venture at St. Francis–Emory Healthcare in Columbus. Its network also includes six regional affiliates and a physician network spanning over 70 specialties.

Officials from both systems say the integration aims to improve access and coordination of care across central and southern Georgia, though no immediate operational changes have been announced.

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