Tavenner Gets Support from AMA

The Washington, D.C.-based American Medical Association (AMA) has given its support to Marilyn Tavenner for CMS administrator. Tavenner was announced as the Obama administration’s replacement for Donald Berwick, M.D., who stepped down from the position last week.

In a statement, Peter W. Carmel, M.D., president of the AMA, said:

"The American Medical Association supports the nomination of Marilyn Tavenner for CMS administrator. We have worked extensively with her in her role as deputy administrator, and she has been fair, knowledgeable and open to dialogue. With all the changes and challenges facing the Medicare and Medicaid programs, CMS needs stable leadership, and Marilyn Tavenner has the skills and experience to provide it."

Tavenner has been Medicare's principle deputy administrator since Feb. 2010. Berwick stepped down after Republicans blocked his confirmation by the Senate citing his lack of experience in managing complex bureaucracies.