KAPLAN, La. (AP) _ Lafayette General Health has added Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital to the list of Acadiana-area hospitals it is operating.

The changeover came Monday.

Officials say in a news release a new long-term lease agreement that expands the existing partnership with the rural hospital that began in 2002.

Previously, Lafayette General provided only management services, such as executive strategy, financial analysis and group purchasing to the Kaplan hospital.

Bryce Quebodeaux, CEO of Abrom Kaplan, says the goal is to ensure Vermilion Parish residents have access to great health care without leaving the area.

A ceremony commemorating the lease agreement is planned in the fall when renovations at the hospital are expected to be complete.

The Kaplan hospital has 50 licensed beds and 112 employees.