Media Advisory
June 25, 2013

CONTACT:
Leigh Schisler cell: 202-224-0548
leigh_schisler@ltccommission.senate.gov

Federal Commission on Long-Term Care Hires G. Lawrence Atkins as Staff Director

Fifteen member commission created by fiscal cliff law tasked with advising Congress on long-term care reform

Washington, DC - The newly created federal Commission on Long-Term Care announced today that G. Lawrence Atkins, Ph.D. will serve as Staff Director.

The Commission was created by the American Taxpayer Relief Act - the so-called "fiscal-cliff" law - to advise Congress on how long-term care can be better provided and financed for the nation's older adults and people with disabilities, now and in the future.

Commission Chair Bruce Chernof and Vice Chair Mark Warshawsky made the announcement. "We are pleased to have Larry serve as Staff Director," said Dr. Chernof. "He brings a depth of knowledge and experience to the Commission from over 30 years of work in Washington on aging policy issues."

In the 1980s, Larry worked for the Senate Special Committee on Aging, ultimately as Staff Director under Senator John Heinz (R-PA). Following his Senate service, he worked as a health care consultant and policy analyst, most recently in the pharmaceutical industry. He currently serves in a voluntary capacity as President of the National Academy of Social Insurance.

Dr. Warshawsky noted, "Larry has a history of working with broad groups of stakeholders to develop consensus on challenging issues in retirement income and health care financing. He is the right person to help the Commission identify means to improve our nation's current approach to financing and providing long-term care."

The bi-partisan commission consists of 15 appointees - nine picks from Democratic Congressional leadership and the White House as well as six from Republican leadership. Their charge from Congress under the current legislation is to report with a "plan for the establishment, implementation, and financing of a comprehensive, coordinated, and high-quality system that ensures the availability of long-term services and supports for individuals in need."

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