PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved Dr. Kathleen C. Hittner, an anesthesiologist and former hospital executive, as the state's next health insurance commissioner.
The vote came after a hearing before the Health and Human Services Committee, at which several people praised Hittner as a community leader while some raised concerns about her ability to steer the office with a firm hand.
Sen. Joshua Miller, D-Cranston, committee chairman, moved to approve Hittner's appointment, saying he did so because of Governor Chafee's confidence in her.
Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts was among those supporting Hittner.
But Dr. Nick Tsiongas questioned whether Hittner would build on the work of outgoing commissioner Christopher F. Koller and whether she was committed to reforming the system.
This post was initially published at 5:35 p.m. and updated at 5:54 p.m.