Last week the White House announced Marilyn Tavenner, MHA, BSN, RN, as the new nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), replacing Don Berwick, MD, MPP, FRCP, who was never confirmed as the Administrator yet helped provide a foundation for CMS during the transition to the Affordable Care Act.

Tavenner’s nursing pragmatism and healthcare administration experience are frequently cited as part of her strengths that will help propel CMS forward. The Obama administration has consistently vocalized nurses’ vital role in healthcare transformation; Tavenner’s appointment reiterates that sentiment. Her confirmation process will begin soon. Hopefully it will end soon, as well, as opposed to Dr. Berwick’s process, which stirred controversy.

Thank you, Dr. Berwick, for your service, and congratulations to Ms. Tavenner. Maybe you can help me understand Medicare when you have a moment?