On September 20, 2020, the administration of Mayor Muriel Bowser signed an operating agreement with Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) to establish and operate a new acute-care community hospital in Ward 8 of the District of Columbia. This project was funded with the dual goal and shared vision of addressing long-standing health inequities East of the River, while enhancing healthcare access and services for residents of Wards 7 and 8. 

The Director of the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) is delegated the authority through Mayor's Order 2020-120 to administer and implement the District government's responsibilities under the Hospital Operations Agreement between the Government of the District of Columbia and UHS.  

Established as Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, the $434.4 million hospital includes 136 beds (with the ability to expand to 184 beds), trauma care, adult and pediatric emergency departments, maternal health and delivery, an ambulatory pavilion for physician offices and clinics. Through its partnership with UHS, the District established a vision grounded in three core principles: delivering high-quality care, ensuring culturally competent care that reflects and respects the communities served, and creating an integrated and proximate system of care that brings essential healthcare services closer to residents.

On an annual basis, UHS is required to provide a report detailing the entity's compliance with obligations under the operating agreement with the District.  The first operating report was submitted to the District in April 2026.