Thursday, May 9, 2013

CMS Administrator Confirmation Back On Track


Following a rocky start, the confirmation of Acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner seems to be back on track this week. As NAHAM reported last month, Tavenner’s confirmation was stalled when Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) placed a hold on it. A hold is a parliamentary procedure in the Senate that can prevent a measure from coming to the floor for a vote.

Harkin did this over a directive that Tavenner signed in March, channeling funds away from the healthcare reform’s Prevention and Public Health Trust fund, and instead spending it on Outreach efforts.

ModernHealthcare.com reports that Harkin is still upset, but that he has no objections to Tavenner leading the CMS. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced that he will bring the nomination up for a vote when the “Republicans back off.” Sen. John Thune (R-SD) responded by saying that he wasn’t aware of any massive opposition.

CMS has not had a Senate confirmed administrator in seven years.

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