UPDATE to today’s “CCHC Health Care News”:

President Obama has just announced his recess appointment of the controversial Dr. Donald Berwick, MD as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Members of Congress, concerned about Berwick’s support of socialized medicine and health care rationing, had delayed his confirmation since April.

Dr. Berwick, CEO and President of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, has waxed “romantic” about England’s socialized medicine system, supported rationing, and expressed support for England’s rationing-focused, euphemistically-named National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) which issues government treatment protocols for British citizens. Dr. Berwick will hold significant influence over Medicare treatment options and funding during his tenure as administrator. Some call him “Dr. Death,” but the AARP supports him. More