Giovanni Grasso appointed commissioner of Tuscany Regional Health Agency

Giovanni Grasso, the president of the Nursing Professions Order of Arezzo, has been appointed as the extraordinary commissioner of the Tuscany Regional Health Agency (Ars). The appointment, which begins on September 1, 2026, marks a significant shift in the regional healthcare system as it is the first time the agency's leadership has been entrusted to a nursing professional rather than a medical doctor.

Grasso succeeds Federico Gelli, who is moving to lead the Meyer hospital. The role is temporary and will last until a new director is appointed or a different organizational solution is adopted, but no later than December 31, 2026. Grasso expressed gratitude to President Eugenio Giani for his trust, pledging to approach the role with seriousness, listening, and concreteness.

Regional nursing orders have welcomed the decision, viewing it as a recognition of the evolving and increasingly central role of nursing in healthcare planning, organization, and governance. While the appointment has been praised by professional bodies, it has also drawn scrutiny on social media regarding political motivations.