DALLAS (AP) — A former Tenet Healthcare vice president has been named interim chief executive officer of embattled Parkland Memorial Hospital.

The Dallas public hospital's governing board voted Wednesday to have Robert L. "Bob" Smith of Plano replace Dr. Thomas Royer, effective in mid-September.

Royer's contract expires at the end of August.

Regulators are threatening to cut off essential federal funding unless Parkland makes systemic reforms by April. Safety monitors earlier this year recommended improvements ranging from outpatient clinics to food services.

Royer, who became interim CEO last December, was founding chief CEO of Irving-based Christus Health.

Parkland governing board chairwoman Debbie Branson said Tuesday that Royer provided stability but the hospital needs to make changes to protect patients.

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Online:

http://www.parklandhospital.com/