New Castle's Jameson Health System has issued an official notice that it is soliciting potential merger partners.

The Lawrence County center had previously expressed interest in merging with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, but Jameson says Pennsylvania's Attorney General wanted them to seek other partnership opportunities across a broader geography.

UPMC, according to Jameson, has since reaffirmed its merger proposal in which the Pittsburgh group pledges to cover all of Jameson's long term debt and pension liabilities.

Other UPMC proposal details which Jameson has disclosed include covering operating needs, recruiting new physicians, making IT advancements, and developing other operational and research services.

UPMC's offer is valid through the end of the year. 

Meanwhile, the new solicitation process mandates that all other proposals be made within the next 30 days. 

Jameson, which closed its maternity care center earlier in August and will end their behavior health services next year, has affirmed that they will remain open throughout the solicitation process.