Leavitt Partners Newsroom

Senior health policy experts David Merritt and Kelly Crowe join Leavitt Partners

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Two former senior health care leaders with the Center for Health Transformation have joined Leavitt Partners. David Merritt, a nationally recognized expert in health policy and former CEO of the Center for Health Transformation and the Gingrich Group, and Kelly Crowe, a former Vice President with the same firm, have joined Leavitt Partners. Mr. Merritt will serve as a Senior Advisor to Leavitt Partners, and Ms. Crowe will be a Vice President at the firm.

"As a health care intelligence business, we depend on a talented staff to bring a deep and diverse background of health care expertise," said Leavitt Partners CEO Rich McKeown. "David and Kelly bring a seasoned background in national health care policy and an attractive mix of financial and strategy expertise in the health care sector. Together they will significantly strengthen an already outstanding team of health care intelligence experts."

Mr. Merritt and Ms. Crowe will be instrumental in creating a new, member-based health care intelligence service at Leavitt Partners called Health Intelligence Partners. Created as an extension of the unique expertise, experience and products of the firm, Health Intelligence Partners will provide health care executives with valuable and actionable intelligence about the likely future of American health care. This proprietary service will offer extensive research and analysis, input from industry leaders and policy experts, and interaction with a broad and deep network of health care thought leaders. More information about this new service will be released after the first of the year.

"With new mergers, acquisitions, regulations, technology and economic realities, the health care system is changing by the day," said Leavitt Partners Chairman, Gov. Michael O. Leavitt. "It's difficult for health care executives to plan for a future they can't see. Our new service, Health Intelligence Partners, will help executives focus on the uncertainties and bring focus to the likely future of health care. David and Kelly will build the foundation for this new service."

About David Merritt

David Merritt is a nationally recognized expert in health policy and a sought-after speaker, author and policy advisor. He is an advisor to Speaker Newt Gingrich's presidential campaign and earlier in his career served as health policy advisor to the presidential campaigns of Senator John McCain and former Senator Fred Thompson. Merritt edited Paper Kills, an insightful book about the promises and challenges of implementing health information technology. He has a master's degree from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University.

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About Kelly Crowe

Kelly Crowe is a former Vice President at the Center for Health Transformation. She interfaced directly with clients overseeing all of the Center's business development activities. Prior to this, Ms. Crowe worked with the Advisory Board Company to help leading hospitals and health systems apply best practices and improve financial performance. She is also a thirteen-year veteran as a highly-ranked equity analyst covering the health care industry. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi and a master's degree from the University of Memphis.

Medical innovation key to health care value proposition

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 -0700

Gov. Michael O. Leavitt assembled a diverse group of Utah’s health care leaders at the Leavitt Partners’ corporate headquarters today to discuss medical innovation and the new health care value proposition. Leavitt said health care in the United States has entered the era of the value proposition and that it is time to make value the focus of health care decisions.

“Value is the confluence of cost and quality,” said Leavitt. “It’s time to make value the central focus of every health care decision.”

Leavitt, who is the co-chair of the national Council for American Medical Innovation, along with former Majority Leader Richard Gephardt, said that with Washington gridlocked, investment in medical advances brings real value to our health care system, improves worker productivity, and spurs economic prosperity.”

Leavitt, who also served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George Bush said,“To improve care, we must commit to continued and sustained investments in new medical innovations because the medical advances these investments generate will pay dividends to the American people in the form of deficit reduction, improved health and job creation.”

Utah’s leaders discussed the importance of all participants in health care—patients, their families, doctors, government and investors – to focus on the value proposition of new and future medical innovations.� Leavitt said, “Better understanding and valuing medical progress needs to be a key factor in future health care decisions.”

Leavitt addressed this group in his home state of Utah, but has met other health care leaders around the nation to ensure Congress is hearing “loud and clear” the need to create a policy environment that fosters innovation and improves America’s completeness.

White paper reveals types and locations of more than 160 ACOs or ACO-like organizations

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Leavitt Partners’ Center for ACO Intelligence, which tracks national and regional trends related to ACOs and other emerging care delivery systems, released a white paper today entitled Growth and Dispersion of Accountable Care Organizations. This is the first report of its kind regarding the types and locations of ACOs. The report provides data-driven insights into the evolution of ACOs following federal health reform and the recent announcement of the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Data and analysis on the growth and national dispersion trends of more than 160 ACO or ACO-like organizations are highlighted.

Leavitt Partners’ ongoing tracking of ACOs provides valuable information to a wide variety of interested parties. The growth and dispersion of ACOs holds implications for providers, payors, vendors and the pharmacy industry.

“A quiet scramble is clearly underway,” says Andrew Croshaw, managing director at Leavitt Partners and director of the Leavitt Partners Center for ACO Intelligence. “In certain markets, competition to establish leadership is already emerging.”

Among the findings presented in the white paper are observations of ACO market concentrations, both by state and hospital referral region, as well the foundational models behind the organizations, be they hospital systems, health plans, or physician groups.

“There is a tremendous amount of activity in the ACO arena,” says Wayne Sensor, partner at Leavitt Partners and former CEO of Alegent Health Care. “Health care leadership is hungry for a deeper understanding of where ACOs are and where they are headed.”

About Leavitt Partners

Leavitt Partners is a health care intelligence business providing clients with the best available window to the future of health care. By conferring with an authoritative group of health care thought leaders known as FuturePanel™ and applying a qualitative predictive model called FutureFrame™, Leavitt Partners helps clients see the future of American health care.

Food safety experts collaborate to offer integrated approach to regulatory compliance

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Leavitt Partners, Faegre & Benson LLP and B&D Consulting are joining forces to provide companies involved in the global food supply chain with a collaborative solution to food safety management. This joint effort will provide guidance for companies seeking to navigate the shifting food safety challenges of today's systems and those required to comply with new regulations resulting from the passage of the 2011 Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

FSMA aims to create a prevention-based 21st century food safety system and grants FDA additional regulatory authority concerning food. This food safety solutions group will integrate technical, regulatory, legal, federal affairs, management consulting and coalition-building services to assist businesses in navigating and complying with a complex set of new rules and regulations. Using an integrated approach, this partnership allows clients to address their food safety management needs holistically by working with a diverse group of experienced food safety professionals. Companies can take advantage of all or a subset of the collaboration's services based on their individual needs.

"By integrating all the expertise in this collaboration, we are able to deliver unique, cross discipline counsel on critical food safety issues," states Kim Walker, head of the food and agriculture industry focus at Faegre & Benson.

The three collaborating organizations are uniquely positioned to advise food industry stakeholders on safety issues. Founded and chaired by Michael O. Leavitt, former secretary of health and human services, Leavitt Partners is a technical, scientific and regulatory advisory group operating in the health care and food safety sectors. The organization provides assessment services to determine the gap between a company's capabilities and FSMA requirements, support and guidance in writing food plans required under FSMA, expert advice on preparing for a crisis and handling recalls, and real-time updates on food safety issues from regulatory bodies.

"The need to integrate food safety with food quality and new compliance requirements in an environment of budgetary constraint requires broad risk-based thinking and priority setting, and I believe this collaboration will provide that to the food sector," Michael O. Leavitt says.

Faegre & Benson is an international law firm with approximately 450 lawyers and locations in Minneapolis, Denver, Boulder, Des Moines, London and Shanghai. The firm represents many of the world's leading food companies on a wide variety of legal issues. Legal services include advising clients on supply chain management issues; counseling on reporting, recall plans and potential FDA enforcement actions; handling litigation regarding potential claims arising from food contamination, recall or labeling issues; advising on food labeling and recordkeeping requirements; and assisting with risk management. The firm's food, agriculture and biofuels industry focus dates back to 1912 and includes nearly 120 lawyers.

B&D Consulting is a national advisory and advocacy firm based in Washington, D.C., whose advisors have significant federal agency and congressional expertise and have served as lead drafters and negotiators for FSMA and other FDA reform bills. The firm provides federal affairs and coalition-building services such as influencing, monitoring and responding to agency and congressional activity related to food safety; organizing a multi-stakeholder food safety coalition to affect the development of related policies and regulations; building public-private research partnerships to develop food safety technologies; consulting with senior executives on structural and resource allocation for FSMA-mandated services; and providing information on key FDA, congressional and stakeholder activity.

"The leaders of this collaboration directly shaped the FSMA legislation and U.S. food safety policies and have advised the world's leading food companies on legal and technical matters," says Vince Ventimiglia, senior vice president of B&D Consulting's health and life sciences team and former assistant secretary of legislation for the Department of Health and Human Services. "These three organizations are fully equipped to help food companies or stakeholder coalitions develop comprehensive solutions in this changing regulatory environment."

The collaboration has become operational as of Oct. 26, 2011, and is prepared to advise companies in the food industry on FSMA requirements and compliance.

In January 2012, Faegre & Benson will combine with the law firm Baker & Daniels LLP to form a new firm of approximately 770 lawyers and 45 consultants, Faegre Baker Daniels. B&D Consulting is a division of Baker & Daniels and will become FaegreBD Consulting when the firms combine. The food safety solutions group will continue to operate under this new arrangement.

About Leavitt Partners

Leavitt Partners, founded and chaired by Michael O. Leavitt, advises clients in the health care and food safety sectors. The firm applies its experience, knowledge and a network of global relationships to supplement the thinking and reach of senior executive teams.

About Faegre & Benson

Faegre & Benson LLP offers a full complement of legal services to clients ranging from emerging enterprises to multinational companies. Our 450 lawyers handle complex transactions and litigation matters throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Established in Minneapolis in 1886, our firm is one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States. From our offices in innesota, Colorado, Iowa, London and Shanghai, Faegre & Benson has served clients in more than 100 countries. For more information, please visit Faegre.com.

About B&D Consulting

B&D Consulting is a national advisory and advocacy firm based in Washington, D.C. Whether developing a business or advancing a mission, the firm's professionals serve clients across key sectors of the U.S. economy, including government, health and life sciences, energy and environment, education, and financial services. B&D Consulting is a division of Baker & Daniels LLP, an international law firm with offices in Indiana, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Beijing. On Jan. 1, 2012, Baker & Daniels will combine with Faegre & Benson to become Faegre Baker Daniels, and the consulting division will become FaegreBD Consulting. The combined firm will have U.S. offices in Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa and Colorado and international offices in London, Beijing and Shanghai. For more information about B&D Consulting or Baker & Daniels, visit BakerDConsulting.com or BakerDaniels.com.

Former Medicare overseers say the prescription drug program (Part D) is a model for reform

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Michael O. Leavitt and Tommy G. Thompson, both former governors and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretaries, believe that the Medicare prescription-drug program (commonly referred to as Medicare Part D) serves as a model for the entire Medicare program.

In a column published in today’s Orlando Sentinel they opine that Congress should look to the five-year track record of Part D as a template for controlling costs for the rest of Medicare.

“Policymakers should be dubious of efforts to tamper with the program [Medicare] by requiring new special payments from drug makers, outright rationing of medicines, or creating a plan under direct government control,” they write in the exclusive editorial published in Florida’s second-largest paper.

“Instead, Medicare Part D, the best and most successful part of Medicare, should be looked at as a model for the entire Medicare program and beyond.”

Michael O. Leavitt, a former three-term governor of Utah, served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2005-2009. He is the founder and chairman of Leavitt Partners, a firm that advises clients in the health and food safety sectors.

Tommy G. Thompson, a former governor of Wisconsin, served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2001-2005. He is now a partner at the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.

Health Insurance Exchanges -- Status and Technological Considerations

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Leavitt Partners collaborated with Affiliated Computer Systems to prepare a briefing paper on the status of health insurance exchanges and the technological considerations of creating one. This briefing paper is one of many health insurance exchange materials prepared by Leavitt Partners. Readers may view the briefer here.

Readers may also be interested in the following blogs authored by Leavitt Partners.

Leavitt Partners health insurance exchange expertise continues to grow
6/14/11
Health insurance exchanges are less like one-size-fits-all suspenders and more like carefully selected Italian leather shoes. By their very nature health insurance exchanges are individualized health care plans. They require care and nurturing, careful thought and consideration. And they almost always require that you hire a specialized team to construct and implement the exchange. At... read more

Health Insurance Exchanges: Select the “Right” Team
6/2/11
Thanks to Jim Collins, we have all heard the oft-quoted business expression to "Get the right people on the bus." Selecting the right exchange team, is crucial to the successful implementation of an exchange. This team should be composed of state officials and policy leaders who understand the history... read more

How health reform and a bad economy are driving focus on consumers
5/13/11
It’s getting worse.� The spending problem, that is.� Health spending has been growing faster than GDP for decades, but recent events including a sour economy and a planned colossal expansion of health coverage entitlements through PPACA – are bringing into stark contrast the reality of our national predicament. So, rather than end the debate on... read more

Wayne Sensor Joins Leavitt Partners

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 -0600

Wayne Sensor, former CEO of Alegent Health, has Joined Leavitt Partners, LLC. Sensor will be a Partner in the firm.

Leavitt Partners was founded by Michael O. Leavitt, former Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The firm’s signature product, FutureFrame™, is a qualitative predictive model about the future of health care. Sensor will help lead the development, refinement and application of FutureFrame™ for the firm. He will also advise Leavitt Partners private equity practice area.

“Health CEOs are surrounded by uncertainty,” Leavitt explained. “They have to make critically important decisions without knowing what the future will look like. Wayne Sensor will help organizations identify the highest impact uncertainties and then use our predictive model to systematically develop, monitor and continually refine high quality assumptions.”

Leavitt called Wayne Sensor, “An innovative health care thinker who brings the perspective of an executive who intimately understands the cross pressures a hospital CEO faces in leading transformative change.” Sensor is well known among health care executives for his leadership of Alegent Health and his work to transform this large, integrated system from a typical fee-for-service health system to an integrated delivery system that demands clinical excellence and cost-efficient care.

“A lot of hospital executives face the same challenge,” said Leavitt. “We want to provide hospital clients with the unique sense of practicality and personal experience that comes from experience. Wayne will add great depth to our firm.”

Sensor has spent most of his career in a senior leadership role improving health care systems in multiple states. He was the chief executive officer of the $1 billion Alegent Health in Nebraska from 2004-2009. During his tenure, Alegent was named the number one health system in the country for clinical quality and patient satisfaction by the Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement.

Prior to Alegent, Sensor served as the president and CEO of Christus Schumpert Health System in Louisiana and as the CEO of Integris Bass Baptist Health Center in Oklahoma.

A sought after speaker and health care thought leader, Sensor has testified before congressional committees, presented as a keynote to professional organizations across the nation and been appointed to serve on the National Governors Association’s State Alliance on e-Health.

“At this stage in my career, I am deeply focused on helping entities achieve clinical excellence and cost-efficient care,” said Sensor, who views health system reform as an economic and ethical imperative for payers, providers and patients. “Leavitt Partners is a great place for me to lend my passion and expertise.”

The New World of Food Safety in the U.S.

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Leavitt Partners’ first Policy Watch Seminar of 2011 was presented at the Shangri-la Hotel in Guangzhou, China and co-sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce in South China.

The event, held on March 29, 2011, featured Leavitt Partners senior policy experts Dr. David William Kennedy Acheson, Rich McKeown and Dr. Bill Steiger. They led a discussion of new policies and regulations outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act, passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Obama in January 2011.

The Leavitt Partners experts discussed the new requirements pertaining to testing laboratories, third-party auditors and certification bodies. They also addressed managing and improving compliance with the new law.

About Leavitt Partners

Leavitt Partners, founded and chaired by Michael O. Leavitt, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, advises clients in the health care and food safety sectors. The firm applies its experience, knowledge and a network of global relationships to supplement the thinking and reach of senior executive teams. For more information visit LeavittPartners.com or call 801-538-5082.

Wall Street Journal reports on appointment of Michael O. Leavitt to co-chair a financial review of the Global Fund

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600

In its reporting of a new financial review panel being assembled by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, The Wall Street Journal in March said that:

“The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has named a former senior U.S. government official and Botswana's former president to co-chair an external review of its financial systems, amid heightened scrutiny from donors over misuse of some grants and a potential funding reduction from the U.S.”

The Wall Street Journal went on to say this about Michael Leavitt:

“The appointment of Mr. Leavitt, a former Republican governor of Utah who held two cabinet positions under George W. Bush, puts a seasoned U.S. expert in politics, management, and global health on the panel [emphasis added]. Mr. Leavitt served as Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2005 until 2009.” (Read the complete article here.)

Michael Leavitt, a three-term, 11-year governor of Utah, has said the following about his new role with the Global Fund:

“The Global Fund is the world’s most powerful tool in the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria and the American people are rightly proud of its success,” said Michael O. Leavitt. “It will be my job as co-chair of this independent review to make certain that the Global Fund’s financial controls meet high standards of professionalism and that, if necessary, improvements are made to increase the funds ability to improve lives.”

The independent review panel will report to the Board of the Global Fund. As with all Global Fund reports, the panel’s findings will be made public.

Governor Michael O. Leavitt named co-chair of financial review for The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has announced that Michael O. Leavitt, Chairman of Leavitt Partners, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and three-time governor of Utah, will co-chair an independent review of its mechanisms for disbursements of grant money.

Serving with Leavitt as co-chair will be former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae.

Leavitt and Mogae have agreed to lead a high-level panel of experts that will conduct an independent and thorough review of The Global Fund’s financial safeguards.

“The appointment of this panel is part of The Global Fund commitment to ensuring our financial controls are the most robust possible, and that donor investments go directly to fighting AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis,” said Michel Kazatchkine, executive director of The Global Fund. “Sound financial controls and anti-corruption protections are essential elements in our continued ability to save millions of lives, and to facilitating social and economic development in the more than 140 countries we support.”

The two co-chairs will select a small group of eminent persons and experts to join the panel. Over the next several months, the panel will assess The Global Fund’s current practices in financial oversight and implementation. The panel will also make recommendations where necessary to help strengthen The Global Fund’s fiscal controls and anti-corruption protections.

“The Global Fund is the world’s most powerful tool in the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria and the American people are rightly proud of its success,” said Michael O. Leavitt. “It will be my job as co-chair of this independent review to make certain that The Global Fund’s financial controls meet high standards of professionalism and that, if necessary, improvements are made to increase the funds ability to improve lives.”

The independent review panel will report to the Board of The Global Fund. As with all Global Fund reports, the panel’s findings will be made public.

Michael O. Leavitt served under President George W. Bush as Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2005 to 2009. During his three terms as governor of Utah, the state was recognized six times as one of the U.S.’s best-managed. A seasoned diplomat, Leavitt led U.S. delegations to more than 50 countries, conducting negotiations on matters related to health, the environment and trade. Leavitt also served on the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

About The Global Fund

The Global Fund is a unique global public/private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing additional resources to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities represents a new approach to international health financing. The Global Fund works in close collaboration with other bilateral and multilateral organizations to supplement existing efforts dealing with the three diseases.

Since its creation in 2002, The Global Fund has become the dominant financier of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with approved funding of US$ 21.7 billion. To date, programs supported by The Global Fund have saved 6.5 million lives through providing AIDS treatment for 3 million people, anti-tuberculosis treatment for 7.7 million people and the distribution of 160 million insecticide-treated nets for the prevention of malaria.

About Leavitt Partners

Leavitt Partners, founded and chaired by Michael O. Leavitt, advises clients in the health care and food safety sectors. The firm applies its experience, knowledge and a network of global relationships to supplement the thinking and reach of senior executive teams. For more information visit LeavittPartners.com or call 801-538-5082.

Leavitt Partners chairman and senior advisor opine in The Washington Times about Medicare competitive bidding

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Leavitt Partners chairman and senior advisor opine in The Washington Times about Medicare competitive bidding

SALT LAKE CITY – (February 28, 2011) Leavitt Partners’ chairman Michael O. Leavitt and senior advisor Thomas Barker encouraged Congress to fix the flaws in Medicare competitive bidding, but continue to allow competitive forces to create value for Medicare beneficiaries and the taxpayer. That was the message of a featured op-ed in The Washington Times, published today.

Leavitt and Barker highlight in the op-ed the history of Medicare competitive bidding, which was initially authorized by Congress in 2003. The initial pilot project yielded encouraging results – a 29 percent and $1.4 billion savings by 2012. Over time, trade associations and advocacy groups were able to delay the full implementation of the program. The Obama administration wisely reinstituted the program, which went into effect on January 1 of this year, with a second phase to begin in June.

Several suggestions for the bidding process are highlighted in the op-ed, as is a stern recommendation to continue with competitive bidding as a means to create value in the Medicare system.

ABOUT LEAVITT PARTNERS
Leavitt Partners advises clients in the health care and food safety sectors. The firm applies its experience, knowledge and a network of global relationships to supplement the thinking and reach of senior executive teams. For more information visit LeavittPartners.com or call 801-538-5082.

Passage of Food Safety Modernization Act praised by public health leaders

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Sweeping overhaul lauded by former HHS Secretary and former FDA Associate Commissioner of Foods

The Food Safety Modernization Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today and is headed for the president’s signature, represents the most sweeping overhaul of the food safety system in almost 75 years. Former HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt and former FDA Associate Commissioner of Foods David Acheson praised the Act for the public health benefits provided to American consumers.

�“This is the most significant change to food safety regulation in 75 years,” said David Acheson who served in multiple food safety leadership roles at FDA. “It represents the basis for significant and immediate public health gains for the American public.”

The new law expands FDA’s authorities and places new requirements on growers, manufacturers, transporters, processors, importers and retailers. New authorities for FDA include expanded access to records, mandatory recall authority and the ability to require that imported food is certified for being in compliance with U.S. regulations.

�“The system was badly in need of modernization,” said former HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt, who was a proponent of the food safety legislation when he was secretary and who led President Bush’s Import Safety Working Group, which created an action plan for import safety and laid some of the groundwork for the current legislation. “What makes this agreement so remarkable is that it is generally welcomed by business and consumers, which tells you how essential this legislation is to the health of our people and the strength of our economy.”

The new law will have a significant impact on the food industry at all levels of the supply chain, both domestically and outside the U.S. Growers and harvesters will be required to comply with science-based standards for the safe production and harvest of produce. New regulations will be developed for the safe transportation of food. Registered facilities will be required to conduct an analysis of hazards and develop a plan for implementing and monitoring preventive controls to mitigate risk. Importers will be required to verify that imported products meet U.S. regulations.

�“The passage of food safety legislation is a major public health victory and Congress deserves credit for getting it done,” said Leavitt. “This is a foundation that will allow Americans to have less foodborne illness and businesses to have a modern and workable system.”

About Leavitt Partners

Leavitt Partners advises clients in the health care and food safety sectors. The firm applies its experience, knowledge and a network of global relationships to supplement the thinking and reach of senior executive teams. For more information visit LeavittPartners.com or call 801-538-5082.

Food safety experts available to comment on overhaul of America�s food system

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The Food Safety Modernization Act, which is likely to pass the U.S. House of Representatives before Christmas, represents the most sweeping overhaul of the food safety system in more than 70 years. Food safety experts at Leavitt Partners are available to provide background, perspective and commentary on the impacts of this new law, which expands FDA’s authorities and places new requirements on growers, manufacturers, transporters, processors, importers and retailers.

Experts available for commentary include:

Michael O. Leavitt — Leavitt is the former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Much of the groundwork for the pending legislation was put in place during his five years as HHS secretary. Leavitt is now the founder and chairman of Leavitt Partners where he advises clients in the health and food safety sectors.

David Acheson — Acheson is a food safety and infectious disease expert. He has held multiple posts at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including serving as the former Associate Commissioner of Foods, Assistant Commissioner for Food Protection and Chief Medical Officer at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Acheson is the managing director of the Food and Import Safety Practice at Leavitt Partners.

Rich McKeown — McKeown is the former chief of staff at HHS and was the lead negotiator for FDA with the Chinese import safety ministries. These negotiations led to a landmark agreement in 2007 between the U.S. and China on food safety.

Leavitt, Acheson and McKeown support the pending legislation because of the significant public health benefits to U.S. consumers.

To schedule a media interview, contact Leavitt Partners at 801-538-5082.

About Leavitt Partners

Leavitt Partners advises clients in the health care and food safety sectors. The firm applies its experience, knowledge and a network of global relationships to supplement the thinking and reach of senior executive teams. For more information visit LeavittPartners.com or call 801-538-5082.

Public statement on The Utah Compact

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0700

In a 2003 farewell address at the conclusion of my service as governor, I identified the successful navigation of immigration as one of three keys to Utah’s future economic prosperity.

“The Utah Compact” is an important development.

The principles are consistent with my own beliefs and could be a useful guide to any legislative attempt to fix America’s broken immigration system.

View The Utah Compact at UtahCompact.com.

Utah Compact provides starting point for Congress
By Michael O Leavitt (April 10, 2011)

Public Statement on Passing of Rod Marrelli

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Utah lost a beloved public servant this past weekend with the passing of Rod Marrelli, executive director of the�Utah State Tax Commission. I was fortunate to serve with Rod for nearly a decade as he worked tirelessly to manage Utah’s tax system. It was a job that he loved and a job that he gave his all – making certain that every Utahn was well served. In many ways, the power of government is the power to tax. Rod knew this well and took great care to make sure that he, and everybody around him, dispatched their duties with complete professionalism. Professionalism for Rod meant not only competency and efficiency, but also sensitivity … a caring nature for those who worked for him and for the people of this state whom he served. Rod’s policy legacy will be his emphasis of compliance over enforcement, his protection of “Main Street” retailers and fairness through�sales tax simplification�and his more than decade-long effort to modernize the state’s outdated computer systems. For his service, our state is far better than before. I extend my condolences to his family and express my gratitude for his dedicated public service for which every Utahn should be proud.

�

Contact:

Natalie Gochnour

801-509-1198

Natalie@leavittpartners.com

Michael O. Leavitt inducted into Utah�s Technology Hall of Fame

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Utah Technology Council recognizes Gov. Leavitt for leading Utah into the digital age

The year was 1993 and Utah had just elected a young governor who understood the power of technology to transform state government, enliven an economy and improve the lives of every Utahan. Ten months after being sworn in, Gov. Leavitt challenged every information technology professional in Utah to achieve a new level of performance.

�“I believe we are entering an exciting new era in society,” Gov. Leavitt said in his address at the Electronic Highway Summit November 8, 1993 (the full text of which is available here). “Our world is becoming an information ecosystem, and the ramifications are monumental. Futurists believe there will be a massive shift in the nature of work and that the impact of the information age may be as great as the societal changes that occurred during the industrial revolution.”

Leavitt didn’t stop there. He affirmed that information technology leadership may be the most important issue of the time.

“The thoughtful and informed management of these exciting opportunities for increased productivity, improved government services, a new arena of business and entrepreneurial opportunity, and an enhanced quality of life may be the most important item on the public policy agenda for our state and nation in the next generation,” said Leavitt in his summit speech.

Leavitt went on in this seminal speech to challenge IT professionals and state government leaders to change the way they think, focus more on technology than bricks and mortar, use technology to improve productivity, make available electronically state information, and encourage a strong competitive environment among private communications companies.

The foundation had been set and Gov. Leavitt, in collaboration with his Cabinet, state IT professionals, state workers, business and residents, began a more than decade-long march to make his vision a reality.

During the Leavitt Administration, Utah took giant steps to become a technology leader. Among others, the list of major accomplishments includes…

• Online services. By the end of his service, state government provided more than a hundred state services online. Utah.gov was voted the “Best on the Web” by the Center for Digital Government in 2003 under Leavitt’s leadership.

• Digital signatures. In 1995, Utah became the first state to pass legislation recognizing digital signatures as a legal means to authenticate electronic communications.

�• Western Governors University. Gov. Leavitt was an original innovator, founder and force behind the creation of the Western Governors University, the nation’s first fully accredited online university to offer competency-based degrees. WGU now serves over 20,000 students from all 50 states and is both nationally and regionally accredited.

• 800 megahertz technology. Gov. Leavitt led the adoption of 800 megahertz technology to establish a communication link for law enforcement. This technology proved critical during the security efforts for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, which was the first major world event after the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

• Utah Electronic High School, computers and broadband for Utah schools. Gov. Leavitt led efforts to create Utah’s online high school and increase the number and speed of computers in Utah schools.

�• Math and science charter schools. Gov. Leavitt paved the way and supported the creation of six math and science charter schools. He did this because he recognized the importance of training more scientists, engineers and computer scientists for the Utah economy. During his time in office he challenged Utah to double the number of engineers, computer scientists and scientists trained in Utah’s colleges and universities.� His vision in this area has culminated with the successful launch of the Utah Science Technology and Research initiative, otherwise known as USTAR.

�• Wide area network and e-mail. Gov. Leavitt led state efforts to expand the state’s wide area network and to make e-mail ubiquitous. In part, because of these advancements, Utah was one of only two states in 2002 to earn an “A” ranking in technology from the Government Performance Partnership.

�• Utah Silicon Valley Alliance. Gov. Leavitt made a personal commitment to actively recruit technology companies to the Beehive State. He said at the time that he wanted to spend more time in Silicon Valley than Gray Davis, the sitting governor of California. Intel, Micron, Gateway, Cadence, Novell and others all increased their commitment to Utah during Gov. Leavitt’s service. Utah sustained the longest economic expansion in modern economic history during the Leavitt Administration, driven, in part, by technology growth.

• Smart Utah. Gov. Leavitt advanced the wiring of rural Utah through an initiative called Smart Utah.� Now Utah is among the most wired states in the nation and rural Utah is an active participant in the digital economy.

�• Utah’s genetic database. Gov. Leavitt supported the enhancement of Utah’s data assets in genetics and personalized medicine.� Utah is now a leader among states in genetic research.

�In honor of these and other accomplishments that led Utah proudly into the digital age, the Utah Technology Association will induct Gov. Mike Leavitt into the UTC Hall of Fame tonight at a black tie gala at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Leavitt will join other pioneers in Utah’s technological achievements who have made global contributions to the information technology and life science industries.

Gov. Leavitt is now the founder and chairman of Leavitt Partners, a firm that advises clients in the health and food sectors. Learn more at LeavittPartners.com.

Watch Video Induction Video Here

Michael O. Leavitt delivers an innovative thought piece for Modern Healthcare: The future of American healthcare

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0600

The Parable of Buses, Taxis and Limos offers important insights into the future shape of the American healthcare system. ...Read Article Here...

Leavitt Partners announces strategic partnership with health-centered social network provider Alliance Health Networks

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0600

We have witnessed the introduction of new technologies that enable people to connect socially in meaningful ways. This virtual social media world has grown exponentially in recent years and the health care sector is no exception.

Leavitt Partners believes we are now at the precipice of a new age where social networks will be used to improve health outcomes. The same technologies that have made the social media world thrive will be deployed to improve health, both from prevention and management perspectives. In light of this trend, Leavitt Partners has teamed up with Alliance Health Networks to add value to the American health system.

“The world is beginning to intuitively organize into networks,” said Leavitt Partners Founder and Chairman Michael O. Leavitt. “Online health communities have enormous potential to improve people’s lives, and Leavitt Partners is pleased to form a strategic partnership with Alliance Health, a leading provider of social health networks.”

Alliance Health develops and hosts social health networks that bring people together into online communities. Leavitt Partners advises firms that invest in health care. As strategic partners, both firms will seek to expand the tools and services necessary to create thriving online communities. The individuals who participate will benefit from better health outcomes and our health system will produce more value.

“Health care reform is driving more and more industry participants to focus on providing efficiency and value to the consumer,” said Alliance Health’s CEO, Stead Burwell. “Alliance Health has proven strategic competencies in engaging consumers and serving them personalized information and services. We are both honored and thrilled to work with Governor Leavitt and his team to leverage the firm’s vast network and influence as we continue to grow our business,” Burwell said.

“We see Alliance Health Networks and the condition-specific online health communities they sponsor as a critical piece of the health and wellness puzzle that our traditional health care delivery system has not adequately addressed,” said Andrew Croshaw, managing director of the health care practice at Leavitt Partners.

“As more responsibility shifts to consumers to participate in the management of their health, patients will benefit from learning from other patients and from selectively engaging with new products and services that are tailored to the patient’s circumstances,” continued Croshaw. “We also see tremendous opportunities for providers of products and services to connect at the patient’s consent.”

Leavitt Partners, led by former U.S. Health and Human Services Director Michael O. Leavitt, continually watches and nurtures health care innovation in terms of thought leadership and exceptional service providers. Alliance Health fits these criteria.

About Leavitt Partners

Leavitt Partners advises clients in the health care and food safety sectors. The firm applies its experience, knowledge and a network of global relationships to supplement the thinking of senior executive teams. For more information visit LeavittPartners.com or call 801.538.5082.

About Alliance Health Networks

Alliance Health develops and hosts social health networks that unite individuals and market participants in online communities centered around diseases and conditions. Its first social health network, DiabeticConnect.com, is the largest online social network for people with diabetes. Alliance Health properties provide tools and services specifically designed to help members manage and share health-related information and experiences. For more information call 801.355.6002 or visit AllianceHealthNetworks.com.

Former Trustee Michael O. Leavitt Calls the Medicare Trustees Report a Dangerous Illusion

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Former Health and Human Services Secretary and Medicare Trustee Michael O. Leavitt characterized the annual trustees report on the future well being of Medicare as an illusion created by unrealistic assumptions and double counting.

The 2010 Medicare Trustees Report (available on CMS.gov and in associated multimedia for this release) was issued yesterday.

“The report has created the illusion that Medicare is better off now than it was a year ago,” said Leavitt, who served as a trustee from 2005 until 2009. “In reality, the national health reform law has weakened the program, while creating the false impression that we have made progress.”

Leavitt cautions that the trustees report leads people to believe that the new health reform law was instrumental in postponing the exhaustion of the trust fund assets from 2017 until 2029.

Leavitt believes the assumed cuts and cost control measures do not enhance the nation’s ability to fund Medicare in the short or long run.

Michael O. Leavitt is available to share his perspective. Contact Denise Schwarz at 801-656-9716 to schedule an interview.

About Leavitt Partners

Leavitt Partners advises clients in the health care and food safety sectors. The firm applies its experience, knowledge and a network of global relationships to supplement the thinking of senior executive teams, facilitate connections, solve problems, create value and deliver results. For more information visit LeavittPartners.com or call 801-538-5082.

Health Insurance Exchange Experts Join Leavitt Partners Team

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Two leading experts in the development and implementation of health insurance exchanges have joined Leavitt Partners. Cheryl Smith and Dan Schuyler, who directed one of only two health insurance exchanges in the country, will serve as directors in the Leavitt Partners health insurance exchange practice. They join a seasoned team of health policy experts who advise technology vendors, insurance carriers, brokers and states on how to develop and implement a health insurance exchange as outlined in the new national health reform law.

“We have assembled a preeminent group of experts to advise clients on the opportunities and pitfalls inherent in creating a health insurance exchange,” said former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and three-term governor Michael O. Leavitt. “These new team members provide practical insight from people who have actually built a health insurance exchange from concept to reality. There is no better way to understand how to create a successful exchange than to have done it, and we are pleased to offer this expertise to our clients.”

The new national health reform law (Affordable Care Act) requires states that do not want a federally-run exchange to have functioning state or regional exchanges by January 1, 2014. Leavitt Partners offers an experienced, broad-based and knowledgeable team comprised of a former HHS secretary and governor, as well as experts who have directed the federal Medicaid program, administered insurance benefits, helped guide pharmaceutical companies, led business associations and implemented an innovative and successful health insurance exchange.

“Dan and Cheryl bring significant technical expertise to our team,” said Brett Graham who is the managing director of the health insurance exchange practice at Leavitt Partners. “Our team now has policy expertise and information system and process expertise as it relates to all of the detailed components of setting up an exchange. We offer clients our knowledge of the requirements of the Affordable Care Act and the technical know-how to create a successful health insurance exchange.”

Leavitt Partners offers a range of advisory services to clients interested in health insurance exchanges, including:

Advising clients about the process, policies, politics and people involved in creating exchanges;
Providing timely and in- depth analysis of state, federal and marketplace exchange activity;
Assisting with the due diligence necessary to bid successfully on projects and help develop business plans;
Providing customized guidance to states on how to move carefully and cost-effectively to best serve their citizens; and
Advise state governments on the technical considerations relating to the establishment of exchanges.

NEW MEMBERS OF THE LEAVITT PARTNERS TEAM

The Leavitt Partners Health Insurance Exchange team includes the following new principals:

Cheryl Smith – Serves as a Director at Leavitt Partners and helps guide the firm’s health insurance exchange practice. She brings to the firm applied experience in the development and implementation of health insurance exchanges, having played a central role in Utah’s health insurance exchange. Cheryl combines this functional knowledge and experience with a prominent background in health policy, strategic management, policy design and program administration.

Prior to Leavitt Partners, Cheryl worked in the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development as the driving force behind the Utah health exchange. Her leadership and expertise drew national attention as Utah’s health insurance exchange was recognized in The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, and BusinessWeek.com. Cheryl helped coordinate the development of the Utah Health Exchange, ensuring adequate administrative and financial controls, quality, and procedural efficiencies. She also managed the relationships among various stakeholders, including the business community, industry representatives, hospitals and non-hospital providers, advocates and other interest groups.

Earlier in her career, Cheryl was a Visiting Health Policy Fellow at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. where she conducted research and analysis on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicare drug pricing and state health system reform.

Daniel J. Schuyler – Serves as a Director at Leavitt Partners in the health insurance exchange practice with a focus on health information technology and information systems. He offers significant technical expertise, having played a central role in the systems programming of Utah’s health insurance exchange. He combines this functional and technical knowledge and experience with a strong background in information technology.

Under Dan’s leadership, the Utah Health Exchange allows employees and business owners to conveniently shop, compare, and buy health insurance plans online. As the Director of Technology, Dan was responsible for defining the technical goals and business processes associated with the development of the exchange. He worked closely with technology vendors, state agency project directors, and insurance carrier IT managers to optimize development for time, cost, quality and predictability.

Prior to his post with the Utah health insurance exchange, Schuyler was the Manager for the Department of Environmental Quality, National Environmental Information Exchange Network. While serving in this role, Schuyler helped bring the State of Utah from the bottom third in environmental exchanges to the top ten percent in less than one year.