Douglas sets up health cabinet

Chris Garofolo

Oct. 21, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- BRATTLEBORO -- To better coordinate Vermont's nationally recognized health reforms initiatives, Gov. James Douglas announced the creation of a Health Care Cabinet at the state level.

The Tuesday morning announcement came about to coordinate numerous state departments to assist in the implementation of any health reforms that may be enacted at the federal level in the near future.

The cabinet, which will begin holding monthly meetings next month, will include representatives from several state agencies and departments with jurisdiction over health care services, policy, regulation and implementation.

"The Health Care Cabinet provides an excellent opportunity to continue to build on Vermont's successes in the health care arena -- to identify efficiencies and new, creative ideas to help Vermont residents," said Douglas in a statement. "Collaboration across state government will be especially critical as we work to analyze the impact of and plan for the implementation of any national health care reforms. I'm pleased to have such a great team of people working together on this important issue."

In the news release, Douglas appointed Dr. Susan Besio (director of Health Care Reform and director of the Office of Vermont Health Access) and Heidi Tringe (secretary of Civil and Military Affairs) as co-chairwomen of the cabinet.

"I want to thank Susan and Heidi for taking on this important task. This is an efficient way for us to ensure that we are

communicating regularly as federal reforms move through Washington," said Douglas.

State Sen. Jan Kitchel, D-Caledonia, said the cabinet is only one piece of the puzzle to ensure Vermont is well-positioned in the future of health care reform.

As secretary of the Agency of Human Services, Kitchel did a report looking into better organization within the state's health care policy. She said this cabinet is only the beginning when it comes to organizing the responsibilities of health policies and ensuring state leaders support the necessary change to provide good care at the best cost.

While health care advocates call the cabinet a proactive step in the right direction, many are questioning the governor's motives given his track record with statewide reform policies.

"I can't understand why he is doing this because it doesn't fit with his ideology of government," said Richard Davis, executive director of the Vermont Citizens Campaign for Health.

"I trust the people he's appointed ... if they can convince him to do the right thing, then I think we'll be okay," he added.

The cabinet was created through an executive order on Oct. 14 to provide leadership and accountability for the advancement of health care reform in the state while creating an open dialogue across government lines to achieve greater health system integration.

Chris Garofolo can be reached at cgarofolo@reformer.com or 802-254-2311 ext. 275.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0475-39032284