Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has signed an executive order creating a Commission on Health Reform. that will recommend reforms in the Virginia healthcare sector. Said Kaine in a press release today: “With more than one million Virginians lacking healthcare coverage, and growing shortages of health professionals in all disciplines across the Commonwealth and the nation, we must look for creative ways to further improve the delivery of healthcare to Virginians.”

The Commission is tasked with identifying national best practices at the state level with emphasis on “access, quality, and safety of care,” as well as “long-term care and affordability.” Marilyn Tavenner, Secretary of Health and Human Resources and a former hospital executive, will head the commission.