The hospital association began making plans for a new structure, but nearly five years passed before it became reality.
In the last decade, 33 hospitals across the state have been forced to close because of financial problems, according to the hospital association.
The hospital association says the move is intended to make hospitals more patient-friendly.
In a bulletin sent to its 5,000 members, the hospital association described this as "a considerable turnaround."
Daniel Sisto, president of the hospital association, said he intended to appeal the decision.
One hospital association, which had reservations about the rules, estimated that it would cost about $80 million.
The accord is also unusual because it was reached a year before the expiration of the old contract between the union and the hospital association.
"This was totally unexpected, especially after the hospital association promised hospitals would exercise restraint."
The hospital association does not have any active priests on its board and the president of the board, Fr.
Find out what kind of information is available where you live by calling your State department of health, health care council, or hospital association.