PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Chafee has nominated a former anesthesiologist and Miriam Hospital president to replace the nation's first health insurance oversight position, known as the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner.
Providence Journal photo / Kris Craig
Kathleen Hittner
In nominating Kathleen C. Hittner, M.D., Chafee called her "a widely respected medical professional with decades of relevant experience in Rhode Island's health care industry."
If approved by the R.I. Senate, Hittner will replace Christopher F. Koller, who is stepping down to become President of the Milbank Memorial Fund, a national health policy foundation based in New York City, the governor's office said in a news release.
The office was created in 2004 to guard the solvency of health insurers, protect consumers, encourage fair treatment of health care providers, advocate for the quality and efficiency of health care and direct insurers toward improving efficiency, quality, and access.