FARMINGTON — A public hearing is scheduled on the proposal for Franklin Memorial Hospital to become a member of MaineHealth.

The hearing takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the University of Maine at Farmington, North Dining Hall.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services has scheduled the hearing as part of the state’s Certificate of Need application process.

The purpose is to allow Franklin Memorial Hospital and MaineHealth the opportunity to present information about the proposed membership and the public to make comments or raise issues and/or concerns to be considered by the department.

Franklin Memorial Hospital representatives Rebecca Arsenault, president/CEO, and Dr. Michael Fraley, medical staff president, along with Andrea Patstone, MaineHealth senior vice president, system development, will provide a 30-minute presentation beginning at 10 a.m. Public comment is scheduled to run until 3 p.m.

“Franklin Memorial Hospital has a long history of collaboration with the MaineHealth system,” Arsenault said. “Membership in this health system will assist us in meeting the challenges associated with health-care reform and continuing to provide quality, accessible care to the 40,000 residents in the greater Franklin County area.”

At the close of the public hearing, additional written comments may be submitted to the DHHS, Licensing and Regulatory Services, Certificate of Need Unit, Station House Station 11, 41 Anthony Ave., Augusta, ME 04333-0011 no later than 5 p.m. May 5.