President Obama on Monday officially nominated Dr. Donald Berwick to lead CMS; the move came as little surprise after the White House announced in March that it was likely to put Berwick forward for the job.

Berwick is currently the president and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, as well as a professor at Harvard University; he is best known for helping hospitals use standardized procedures to improve quality, according to the Wall Street Journal.

If confirmed, Berwick would fill a position that has been vacant since Mark McClellan stepped down from the role in 2006 . Berwick would be charged with implementing many of the health care reform law’s broad changes, including expanding Medicaid and controlling Medicare costs, the New York Times reports.

The Senate Finance Committee will oversee Berwick’s confirmation hearing. Although a date for the hearing has not yet been announced, Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said the process will be “expeditious.” Republicans have said they will thoroughly vet Berwick during the hearing.

In announcing the nomination, President Obama said that Berwick “has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for patients and providing better care at a lower cost,” which he called one of the “core missions” of the next CMS administrator.

The American Hospital Association and the American Medical Association, among other groups, have publicly voiced their support for Berwick’s nomination, calling him a leader in quality improvement and patient care. Adamy, Journal, 4/19 [subscription required]; Pear, Times, 4/19.

This is a really good choice. I heard Berwick speak about 3 years ago at a quality forum function. He understands the issues. I just hope that he will be a good administrator. It takes more than good ideas. This position is an implementer.