Right Man, Right Time - Berwick to Head CMS

News Type:

News Article

July 7, 2010

Issue Areas:

President Obama is using his recess appointment authority to name Donald Berwick, MD, MPP, FRCP, to the critical post of Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS has been without a permanent administrator since 2006. As CMS Administrator, Dr. Berwick will be responsible for key cost containment policies and for guiding implementation of much of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Dr. Berwick’s nomination has been under consideration by the Senate since April 19, 2010 and was opposed by leading critics of new health reform law despite strong support of previous CMS administrators of both parties. The nomination was also supported by the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association and a host of pro-reform organizations. The recess appointment will remain effective until the end of the next Congressional session in 2011.

For more on Donald Berwick, click here.

For NCHC Action Fund’s Statement, click here.

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