R. Steven Orr, 53, designated last week as Maryland's insurance commissioner, said yesterday that oversight of the state's new fund to subsidize medical malpractice rates will rank as his top priority.
Mr. Orr was appointed to the job by Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr. He must be confirmed for the post by the state senate.
He most recently served as chief information officer for the Universal Underwriters Group (a Zurich Financial Services company). Previously, Mr. Orr was involved in the start-up and operation of businesses specializing in information technology systems and project management.
As part of the state's recently enacted medical malpractice reform package, HMOs are now subject to premium tax, which will be forwarded to carriers to use to subsidize premiums.
In addition, Mr. Orr said implementing speedy product introduction procedures, rate and filing reforms will also be a top priority of the administration.
The appointment is for the balance of the four-year term of Alfred Redmer, who resigned last October to join the private sector. The recess appointment is subject to confirmation by the Maryland State Senate in its 2006 session.
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