Dallas-based Baylor Scott & White Health has signed an affiliation agreement with Paris Regional Medical Center in Paris, Texas.

According to a company press release, Baylor Scott & White Health will provide Paris Regional Medical Center with advisory expertise, continuing medical education and opportunities and enhanced emergency preparedness capabilities.

The agreement was announced Dec. 6 and is effective immediately.

"For years, we have served patients from Lamar County who have been referred to Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas for expanded services," said Joel Allison, CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health. "We are excited for this affiliation to further strengthen Baylor's relationship with the community."

In addition to advisory expertise in multiple medical areas, the agreement also provides for limited access to ongoing education programs, internships and advanced clinical programs and consultation services.

"The medical staff and employees at Paris Regional Medical Center are delighted with this new affiliation," said Stephen Grubbs, CEO of Paris Regional Medical Center. "Many of our physicians and clinical staff trained at Baylor Health Care System hospitals, so there is a natural connection and level of comfort with the organization in the event that our patients need a higher level of care. We are also looking forward to sharing best practices and learning from Baylor Scott & White Health staff so that we can continually improve the level of care and safety we provide our patients."

Baylor Scott & White Health said it selectively affiliates with other hospitals when those hospitals complement its own service offerings and when the affiliation will help to meet the health care needs of a community.

Paris Regional Medical Center will continue to be part of the RegionalCare Hospital Partners system. The 368-bed hospital provides care to the people of Lamar County and the Northeast Texas/Southwest Oklahoma area.