President Obama announced plans on Wednesday to replace current administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Donald Berwick, with Marilyn Tavenner, according to a National Journal report.
Berwick’s appointment “sidestepped the traditional confirmation process,” according to the National Journal. His appointment was blocked in the Senate and his departure will be effective Dec. 2, according to Reuters.
Tavenner currently serves as the principal deputy administrator to CMS and has held this position since February 2010, according to a White House statement. She was acting administrator of CMS from February to July 2010 as well.
In addition, Tavenner served as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Secretary of Health and Human Resources in the administration of former Governor Tim Kaine and spent 35 years in the healthcare industry.
