NOTABLEThe FTC approved a final consent order on August 25, 2026 settling its challenge to Ascension Health Alliance's $3.9 billion acquisition of AmSurg LLC. The order requires Ascension to divest seven AmSurg ambulatory surgery centers across Nashville, TN; Panama City, FL; Tulsa, OK; Waco, TX; and Wichita, KS — six to SC Affiliates and the Panama City center to Florida Gastroenterology Center — and imposes prior-notice obligations on future ASC acquisitions in those markets.source → https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/08/ftc-approves-final-consent-order-ascension-health-amsurg-deal

NOTABLEThe Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed on August 20, 2026 that it has opened an active investigation into a medication error at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville. Four joint replacement patients received potassium phosphate instead of the spinal anesthetic mepivacaine on August 14; at least two were reportedly left paralyzed, with one on a ventilator.source → https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/tbi-now-investigating-drug-mix-up-at-nashville-hospital-that-caused-catastrophic-complications-in-four-patients

NOTABLEOn August 21, 2026, Ascension Saint Thomas publicly confirmed the incident originated as a pharmacy error and said it self-reported to state regulators the day it occurred. President and CEO Shubhada Jagasia, MD said the hospital has engaged outside independent quality experts to review and validate its corrective measures alongside coordination with state and federal officials.source → https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/ascension-hospital-confirms-pharmacy-medication-error-harmed-4-patients/

NOTABLEAscension Seton Williamson held a ribbon cutting on August 21, 2026 for a $230 million patient tower in Round Rock, Texas. The six-story, 216,000-square-foot addition adds 160 beds, two operating rooms, a catheterization lab, an observation unit and an additional MRI, bringing the hospital to 341 beds, and is expected to add more than 400 positions.source → https://hoodline.com/2026/08/ascension-seton-williamson-opens-230m-tower-adds-160-beds-in-round-rock/