Providence Acquisition: Providence Community FAQ

My welcome letter shows a status of part-time, but I'm full-time with Ascension Providence.

As a healthcare organization, we recognize full-time as 1.0 and 0.9 FTE. However, we share our employee record system with the University of South Alabama, which only recognizes 1.0 FTE as full-time, and thus, anything less is labeled part-time. This is something we are unable to fix as it relates your welcome letters, employee dashboard, etc., but we assure you that for 1.0 or 0.9 FTE, your benefits are the same.

Who received welcome letters on July 10?

Only associates in an active status who were identified to transition on Oct. 1, 2023, received a welcome letter. Associates in a status of suspension, leave of absence, etc. did not receive a welcome letter on July 10. When those associates return to an active status, they will receive the welcome letter and applicable onboarding information.

We know that different communities have their own questions, so we've divided our FAQ into the following sections:
 

• General FAQ  
• Providence Community
  
• USA Health Providers
  
• USA Health Staff
• COM Medical Students, Residents and Fellows
• COM Basic Medical Sciences
• USA Campus Community
• Catholic Community
• Large Employers and Chambers
  

What scrub colors does USA Health require?

We do not have a standard scrub color requirement. Monogrammed uniforms with the Ascension logo will need to be covered beginning Oct. 1. USA Health will provide the new logo for use on uniforms going forward, but it is not required.

When will those with Ascension Providence milestone anniversaries in October receive their service awards?

USA Health will include October milestone anniversaries in its annual recognition of 2024.

What will my seniority date be at USA Health, as to how it affects things like PTO accruals, etc.?

Your seniority date will be the same as it is at Providence. For instance, if your start date at Providence is 2008, your seniority date at USA Health will be 2008, and your accrual rate will be that for an employee with 15 years of service.

What will be the vestment period for Providence employees?

For the defined contribution plan, 403(b), there is a three-year vesting to receive the employer-match contributions. Providence associates who meet this threshold for their time at Providence will keep that seniority for their positions at USA Health at close.

Does USA Health have PRN Staff?

Yes, USA Health has PRN employees.

The last page of the Employee Benefits review says that we will be eligible for benefits on the “First of month following date of employment.” Does that mean our coverage will start Oct. 1 or Nov. 1?

Benefit coverage will begin Oct. 1, 2023.

When would a full-time Providence employee be able to start using the Educational Benefit for the University of South Alabama? Will it apply to the fall semester?

Employee Educational Benefit eligibility will begin in January 2024 for spring semester enrollment, subject to the associate meeting all other eligibility requirements outlined here. If the total combined amount of a USA-funded tuition scholarship and the Employee Educational Benefit exceeds $16,962, the Employee Educational Benefit will be reduced by the excess amount. Learn more.

My daughter will be a sophomore at South next fall with a 4.0 GPA. She made a 32 on her ACT and has a scholarship with South for that already. Is she still eligible for tuition help when I become an employee, and when will that start?

Employee Educational Benefit eligibility will begin in January 2024 for spring semester enrollment, subject to the associate meeting all other eligibility requirements outlined here. If the total combined amount of a USA-funded tuition scholarship and the Employee Educational Benefit exceeds $16,962, the Employee Educational Benefit will be reduced by the excess amount. Learn more.

I am a full-time employee at USA Health and a PRN associate at Providence (or vice versa). Can I keep both jobs?

Individuals currently working in both places may continue to do so. A list of current associates in this situation has been identified, and an HR representative will be in touch to discuss specifics.

As a member of the medical staff at Providence Health System, how will my job change?

USA Health has an open medical staff and does not anticipate changing that model. We value our physicians and the care they provide. We have a wide variety of different practitioners using our facilities. Providence Health System will retain its open medical staff and continue to operate under its own bylaws and structure.

As a member of the staff at Providence Health System, how will by job change?

We value all of our staff. We anticipate keeping all of our staff pending human resource review. As we work through the transition and services offered, we will look for opportunities for advancement and growth.

Can you tell me about the benefits at USA Health?

We offer a very competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement, paid time off, life and disability plans, flexible spending plans, tuition discounts at the University of South Alabama, reduced membership dues to the rec center on campus and free admission to some sporting events. USA Health HR representatives will reach out to schedule informational meetings and town halls to review benefits and answer questions.

When will the acquisition be finalized?

USA Health is working on a timeline to close the transaction in the fall of 2023. Until that time, Providence Health System will still be under the direction of Ascension.

Can you tell me what will change in regard to traditions and pastoral care?

USA Health is sensitive to and embraces the beliefs of all people including the Catholic religion. USA Health has a pastoral care program that will incorporate the needs of the Catholic faith.

What will Providence Hospital be called?

The name will be USA Health Providence Hospital.

I lease my practice location through Providence Health System. Will I have to relocate?

We have not thoroughly evaluated the lease commitments and services offered. We look forward to engaging you as valued members of the healthcare delivery team.

How did the acquisition come about?

St. Louis-based Ascension made the strategic decision to exit the Mobile marketplace and sought an acquirer for Providence Hospital and its facilities.

In April of 2022, Corporate Ascension contacted the University of South Alabama to acquire Providence Health System. Their decision was based on like missions and culture gained from leadership meetings over the past six years. Mutual trust between Corporate Ascension and the University of South Alabama will leave Providence Health System, the community, region, employees, patients, physicians, providers and supporters in the best possible hands.

What will happen to the Providence Foundation?

The University of South Alabama embraces community support and all those willing to serve its mission and hospitals. We look forward to meeting with Foundation representatives.