Modern board room

Encompass Health approached a final regulatory hurdle last week in its spin-off of Enhabit Home Health and Hospice, filing  a Form 10 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company previously set a July 1 target date for Enhabit to become an independent company.

The company also officially announced that former Encompass Board Chairman Leo Higdon Jr. will serve as Enhabit’s board chairman and Barbara Jacobsmeyer will serve as president and CEO of the new company. Seven other executives from the technology, healthcare and financial services sectors were also named to Enhabit’s board. 

“This announcement is another exciting step as Enhabit embarks on our next chapter as an independent, public company,” Jacobsmeyer said. “We have a comprehensive transition plan in place and are confident that the board’s diverse background and experience will help guide us into the future as we work to expand what’s possible for patient care at home.” 

Encompass disclosed in mid-January that it would spin-off its home health and hospice business from its inpatient rehabilitation hospitals following a yearlong review. The company said a spin-off would benefit both businesses and stakeholders by improving strategic and operational flexibility for each business. 

Enhabit will have more than 250 home health and 100 hospice locations in 42 states and Puerto Rico.