• California: Last month, Dan Theodorescu, director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, stepped down after six years in the role. According to Healthcare Finance, Cedars-Sinai Cancer doubled its NIH funding and expanded its scope of research while under Theodorescu's tenure. The cancer team also increased service integration across a growing regional network of providers and improved outreach initiatives with community partners to help reduce disparities in cancer research and care. "Dr. Theodorescu, an internationally recognized bladder cancer scientist and clinician, has made invaluable contributions to the growth of Cedars-Sinai Cancer and the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute," said Peter Slavin, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System. Currently, Robert Figlin, deputy director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, is serving as interim director while the organization conducts a national search for a new director. (Lagasse, Healthcare Finance, 2/25)
• Illinois: Prime Healthcare has finished its acquisition of eight Ascension hospitals in Illinois. Prime also acquired several skilled nursing, home health, and senior living facilities. The deal, which was approved by federal and state regulators last year, was worth $375 million. Moving forward, Prime said it plans to invest $250 million in the newly acquired facilities. According to Modern Healthcare, Ascension has downsized its hospital footprint in the Midwest after seeing ongoing financial losses. In the first six months of fiscal year 2025, the health system reported a $365 million operating loss. (Kacik, Modern Healthcare, 3/1)
• Utah: Gov. Spencer Cox (R) has announced that he will sign a bill banning fluoride in Utah's public drinking water, making it the first state to do so. Recently, there has been growing pushback about having fluoride in drinking water, as well as concerns about its potential impact on health, especially for young children. Aside from Utah, some cities across the country have removed fluoride from their water supplies, and other municipalities are considering doing the same. However, dentists and national health organizations have discouraged removing fluoride from water, saying that it has helped strengthen teeth and reduce cavities. "We've got tried and true evidence of the safety and efficacy of this public health initiative," said Brad Kessler, president of the American Dental Association. "…The science proves that [fluoride] is effective at reducing cavities with little to no risk of other problems." (Brown/Schoenbaum, Associated Press, 3/10)

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