To ensure the smooth and rapid implementation of health reform in the District, a Health Reform Implementation Committee (HRIC) was established by Mayor’s Order to oversee the execution of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, approved March 23, 2010, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, approved March 30, 2010. A new Mayor’s Order was established May 4, 2011, to relaunch the HRIC. It replaces the old order.

Three cabinet members were appointed to the HRIC. It will be chaired by Director Wayne Turnage of the Department of Health Care Finance and co-chaired by Commissioner William P. White of the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking and Dr. Mohammad Akhter of the Department of Health. The HRIC will direct the work of the subcommittees on Eligibility and Medicaid Expansion; Insurance; and Health Delivery System.

Additional committee members will come from related agencies such as the Department of Human Services, the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Disability Services. The HRIC’s main function is to advise on implementation and to coordinate its execution in the District of Columbia. It will submit recommendations to Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services B.B. Otero so her office can ensure interagency coordination in implementing the committee’s recommendations. Staff at all HRIC member agencies provide administrative, clerical and technical support.