LEWISTON — Central Maine Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Foundation will host a public information session at the Franco Center Tuesday night.

The information session, titled Securing the Future of Healthcare in Central Maine, will bring CMHC and Prime officials together to present information and answer questions from the public about Prime’s planned acquisition of CMHC.

Announced early this year, California-based Prime Healthcare Foundation is vying to acquire the health care system by this summer. The foundation is associated with Prime Healthcare, a national health care conglomerate that owns 51 hospitals in 14 states, including the 18 operated by the foundation.

Prime Healthcare has won awards for its care, but has also settled allegations of overbilling Medicare and provider kickbacks in separate lawsuits with the federal government.

Central Maine Healthcare CEO Steve Littleson has said in previous press releases that the acquisition is necessary to bring in new capital to invest in its facilities, technology and people. If Prime successfully acquires CMHC, it will be obligated to invest $150 million in the health system over the next five years.

Prime submitted its letter of intent to file a Certificate of Need with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services more than a month ago. It must get permission from the state of Maine before it can acquire CMHC.

The public information session will start at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St. Those who wish to attend should RSVP at [email protected].