Quality Proponent Berwick Officially in Charge of Medicare and Medicaid

President Obama appointed Donald Berwick as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through a method called a recess appointment during Congress’ week-long July 4th break. 

As part of its Washington, D.C., advocacy efforts, ASQ sent letters in June in support of Dr. Berwick’s nomination to Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chair, and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. Copies also went to all Senate Finance Committee members. And at the request of Senator John Kerry (D-MA), ASQ sent separate letters to all of the Massachusetts congressional delegation. 

ASQ supports Dr. Berwick based on his quality background and experience as a champion for quality in healthcare.

Dr. Berwick was one of the nine original judges for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. He is the founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Under his leadership, IHI has made tremendous contributions to healthcare in the United States by showing hospitals, physicians, and the entire healthcare community how significant improvement in healthcare costs and effectiveness can be achieved using quality principles and quality approaches.

ASQ has had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Berwick over the years. This year, ASQ awarded him its highest distinction for service—the ASQ Distinguished Service Medal—for dedicating his career to improving quality, safety, value, and access to healthcare by challenging, teaching, leading, researching, collaborating, and, most of all, inspiring countless individuals and organizations to improve care and save lives.

To remain in effect, the Senate must approve a recess appointment by the end of the next session of Congress – in this case, the end of 2011, or the position becomes vacant again.