Bellingham’s Family Care Network is finalizing plans to integrate the Mount Vernon-based North Cascade Family Physicians into its network of family-practice health clinics.

The two companies signed a formal letter of intent to the Washington State Department of Health regarding their affiliation on Aug. 2.

The integration should take effect in December, according to a news release from Family Care Network.

North Cascade will remain locally owned and independent.

“The joy of family medicine comes from our partnership with those we serve. We are able to focus on what is best for each person, without regard to expectations imposed by large systems,” said Dr. David Lynch, vice president and medical director for Family Care Network, in a news release. “The team at NCFP has always understood that, and we look forward to working together.”

The Whatcom County-based Family Care Network was founded in 1999 by a group of local family physicians. It currently has 59 family physicians, 14 mid-level practitioners and more than 300 employees located in 10 offices throughout the area.

The organization’s offices include: Bellingham Bay Family Medicine, Birch Bay Family Medicine, Center for Medical Testing and After Hours Urgent Care, Everson Medical Clinic, Family Health Associates, Ferndale Family Medical Center, Lynden Family Medicine, North Sound Family Medicine, Squalicum Family Medicine, and Whatcom Family Medicine.

Family Care Network is online at www.familycarenetwork.com.