R. Steven Orr, 53, designated last week as Maryland's insurancecommissioner, said yesterday that oversight of the state's new fundto subsidize medical malpractice rates will rank as his toppriority.

Mr. Orr was appointed to the job by Republican Gov. RobertEhrlich Jr. He must be confirmed for the post by the statesenate.

He most recently served as chief information officer for theUniversal Underwriters Group (a Zurich Financial Services company).Previously, Mr. Orr was involved in the start-up and operation ofbusinesses specializing in information technology systems andproject management.

As part of the state's recently enacted medical malpracticereform package, HMOs are now subject to premium tax, which will beforwarded to carriers to use to subsidize premiums.

In addition, Mr. Orr said implementing speedy productintroduction procedures, rate and filing reforms will also be a toppriority of the administration.

The appointment is for the balance of the four-year term ofAlfred Redmer, who resigned last October to join the privatesector. The recess appointment is subject to confirmation by theMaryland State Senate in its 2006 session.