Community Health Systems, Inc. (CYH), the Brentwood-based owner/operator of rural hospitals, has signed a definitive agreement to buy a 152 bed hospital in southwestern New Jersey. The hospital is located in Salem County, about 25 miles southeast of Wilmington, Delaware.

The company currently owns or operates 56 hospitals in 20 states. New Jersey will be the 21st state in which Community operates.

Terms were not disclosed.