ESRD  Network 8 and Alliant Health Solutions announced plans to merge. The boards of directors of both companies unanimously approved the merger, which was effective Dec. 1, 2011.

Network 8 Inc., based in Jackson, Mississippi, is the End Stage Renal Disease Network contractor for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Alliant is a professional services organization offering custom health care solutions that increase the value, effectiveness and accessibility of health care. Alliant consists of a family of companies that includes Alliant GMCF – The Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for Georgia, Alliant ASO, Alliant Integrity and Alliant Quality. As a subsidiary of Alliant Health Solutions, Network 8 will retain its identity, with current staff continuing operations from its offices in Jackson, Mississippi.

"This merger will allow us to continue to improve the quality and experience of care for all kidney patients in the states we serve," said Jerry Fuller, Network 8 executive director.