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Governor
Baldacci Announces Hospital Commission
October
9, 2003
Governor's Office
Governor John E. Baldacci today announced appointments
to the Commission to Study Maine’s Hospitals.
This nine person commission has broad responsibilities,
working with the Governor’s Office of Health
Policy and Finance to report on hospital costs and
services and to make recommendations for strengthening
and rationalizing the delivery of hospital services
statewide. In making his appointments, the Governor
stated, “During the deliberations about Dirigo
Health hospital costs were identified as a major driver
of health care costs and premium increases in Maine.
But we also heard concerns from the hospitals about
our proposals to limit their cost growth. This commission,
representative of all key stakeholders, provides us
a unique opportunity to examine hospital services
in Maine and assure a cost-effective, high quality
system for Maine in the twenty-first century.”
The Commission will be chaired by William Haggett
of Bath, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Naturally
Potatoes and former CEO of Bath Iron Works. In making
this appointment, the Governor stated, “Bill
Haggett is a distinguished citizen of Maine who has
served as a major employer in our State. In that capacity
he knows well the trade-offs employers must make as
health care costs for their employees rise. I’m
delighted that Mr. Haggett is taking the time and
agreed to serve on this important commission.”
Other members include: Scott Bullock, CEO of Maine
General Hospital; John Welsh, CEO of Rumford Hospital;
both of whom were recommended by the Maine Hospital
Association. Dr. Joshua Cutler, Maine Cardiology Associates,
and Dr. Richard Wexler, Medical Director of Medical
Care Development, were selected from a list submitted
by physicians associations. Joseph Ditre, the Executive
Director of Consumers for Affordable Health Care Foundation
will represent consumers; and Robert Downs, of
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care will represent insurers.
Kit St. John, Executive Director, Maine Center for
Economic Policy, represents expertise in economic
analysis and Pat Philbrook, R.N., Executive Director
of Maine State Nurses Association, will be a voice
for Maine’s nurses.
Trish Riley, Director of the Governor’s Office
of Health Policy and Finance will be the liaison on
the Commission representing the Governor. The Commission
to Study Maine’s Hospitals is a part of the ongoing
implementation of the Dirigo Health Plan under which
access to quality, affordable health care will be
significantly expanded. In addition to today’s
appointments, the Governor has appointed the Dirigo
Health Board of Directors and the Advisory Council
on Health Systems Development. One final committee
created through the Governor’s Health Reform
legislation is yet to be announced. That task force
will study ways to improve Veterans’ health in
Maine.
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