Senate Approves Tavenner As CMS Administrator

Circle Connections: New Talent Marilyn Tavenner was easily confirmed by the Senate to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The 91-7 vote makes Tavenner the first confirmed CMS leader since 2006. She succeeded former CMS administrator Dr. Donald Berwick, who announced his resignation in 2011. Many industry experts view Tavenner as a patient-centered pragmatist. Tavenner, who brings about 20 years of nursing and 13 years in hospital management to the position, will likely continue to focus on the implications of policy decisions during this period of health care reform. Prior to her first term, Tavenner . . .