Obama uses recess appointment to install Berwick as CMS head

July 7, 2010 by MassDevice staff

President Barack Obama used his recess appointment power to install his choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Donald Berwick, thwarting Republican opposition to the pick.

It's a blow to Republicans in the U.S. Senate, which is on its summer break. Senate Republicans had vowed to stall Berwick's appointment ostensibly for his support of "rationing" healthcare. Berwick will now avoid a contentious nomination hearing and serve as chief of CMS, which has lacked a leader since 2006, until the end of 2011.

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