Dr. Maurer named to National Health Care Workforce Commission

Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., will help advise the president, Congress and other government officials on workforce issues related to health care reform as part of his role on the newly created National Health Care Workforce Commission (NHCWC).

Harold M. Maurer, M.D., has been selected to serve on the newly created National Health Care Workforce Commission.

Dr. Maurer was one of 15 members appointed Thursday to the landmark new group charged with addressing the health care workforce shortages that need to be addressed in this era of health care reform.

Gene Dodaro, acting comptroller general of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, announced the appointments. Dr. Maurer is one of five appointees selected to serve the maximum term of three years.

“(The) appointees bring impressive expertise and professional credentials to their role of advising policymakers on ways to improve the health care workforce which is so essential to ensuring the health and safety of the American people,” Dodaro said.

For more View reactions from government officials and others regarding Dr. Maurer’s appointment to NHCWC. Visit www.gao.gov/about/hcac for more information about the commission.

In the area of workforce development and analysis, the commission will:

• Communicate and coordinate with federal departments;
  
• Develop and commission evaluations of education and training activities;
  
• Identify barriers to improved coordination at the federal, state, and local levels and recommend ways to address them; and
  
• Encourage innovations that address population needs, changing technology, and other environmental factors.

“I am honored to be selected for the commission, as there was undoubtedly many top notch people who were nominated,” Dr. Maurer said. “My selection speaks volumes for the respect that UNMC has earned in the health care field.

“As our country enters into health care reform, we know that workforce shortages exist in many different health professions but especially in primary care, the first line to the patient. The commission brings together a diverse group of people, and I know it will provide a forum for us to share what is and isn’t working and to try to make sure we find the students in every area to meet the health care needs of the next generation.”