Denver Don Amaral, who has headed Coram Healthcare since 1995, turned over his duties as chief executive officer to the company's president, Richard Smith, April 26. Amaral will remain Coram's chairman. Smith will join Coram's board of directors.

Amaral, who has been tagged a "health care turnaround specialist," joined Coram not long after its formation in 1994. He was formerly president and chief operating officer of hospital group OrNda HealthCorp., which was acquired in 1997 by Tenet Healthcare.

Coram officials credit Amaral with delivering positive earnings, resolving the dispute over the Caremark acquisition for $165 million, selling the lithotripsy division for about $126.6 million and cutting debt in half.

Amaral will still be involved in long-term strategic planning. "Although I will miss my day-to-day involvement with the company, I am looking forward to my continuing role as chairman," Amaral said.

Officials said that, under Smith's leadership, they aim to grow Coram's home infusion, prescription, network management and clinical research services.