Kansas University Hospital gave an official proposal Friday to Kansas University Medical Center about how the two should be affiliated in coming years.

The proposal – which hospital officials are calling a detailed draft – also went to Kansas University Physicians Inc.

Hospital officials called the step an “important milestone” in a three-way negotiation process among the hospital, KUMC and the hospital’s across-town rival, St. Luke’s Hospital.

For more than a year, St. Luke’s and KUMC have been in discussions about establishing an affiliation.

KU Hospital officials gave little information on what the draft proposal said, noting details would not be disclosed immediately.

According to a press release from KU Hospital and KUMC, a new affiliation agreement will cover the hospital’s physician residency programs, the amount of money given to the university, the group of 350 medical professors who staff the outpatient clinics at the hospital, and branding campaigns.

Hospital officials noted the proposal was based on topics outlined in a document the hospital authority board approved in March that established guiding principles.

In that document, the hospital committed to giving $42.5 million to the university this fiscal year, up from $30 million. This week, the hospital authority board approved a budget that earmarked the $42.5 million.

The guiding principles also stated KUMC could start an affiliation with St. Luke’s, but put restrictions in place. For example, leaders of KU’s academic departments would be allowed to migrate to St. Luke’s.

Earlier this week, KUMC spokeswoman Amy Jordan Wooden said negotiations will continue with St. Luke’s.