Medicare boss under investigation for conflict of interest

Medicare boss under investigation for conflict of interest -

Dr. Donald Berwick is an important man these days because it is the new administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and is responsible for implementing much of the reform of health care. But a recent study has found irregularities regarding past funding sources on its financial reporting and the agreement of ethics that "s used by officials to identify possible conflicts of interest.

According to the Washington Times , Dr. Berwick was asked some standard questions about the finances of his institute Healthcare Improvement if it went through the regular confirmation method. However, the latest month recess appointment will allow it to hold its position without the need of a Senate hearing or vote at the next session of Congress ends.

Republican Senator Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, who is the ranking member of the Senate finance Committee "is interested to know that funds the institute Healthcare Improvement and if one of the donors were examined by the ethics officers when Dr. Berwick was examined for conflicts 'interests. He is particularly interested in the gifts of health insurance companies in the past.

The White House noted that Dr. Berwick is in full compliance with ethics regulations.

In the meantime, Dr. Berwick is seeking a waiver that allows it to act in cases that involve some organizations due to previous contracts. If he gets the waiver, it won "t be able to participate in contracts, investigations, audits, appeals, or conflicts with these organizations. And Dr. Berwick must be accompanied by an employee of the Department Health and Human Services if he has any contact with them.

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