I am a registered nurse.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins knows how essentially important competent organizational leadership is, because she has experience as a former Maine commissioner overseeing the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. This department oversees licensing for professions like physicians, nurses and others.

Sen. Collins must reject the nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. to be the Department of Health and Human Services secretary because, in this leadership position, the entire American healthcare system would risk being subject to rules without a leader who is experienced in health care management.

It is not only the DHHS position, but all the departments reporting to that position where proposed changes would be impacted. In fact, changes would be costly to implement.

When Maine’s healthcare systems are reporting double and triple digit fiscal loses, Sen. Collins must recognize how Kennedy is not qualified to lead the DHHS, where all licensed health care providers receive policy directives.

Maine health care providers have a history of working collaboratively to provide quality and efficient care, built upon strong relationships developed with our colleagues and state regulators. Our focus must be on continuing to provide health care in collaboration with DHHS while keeping administrative costs in line with reimbursement. We must have a DHHS leader who understands health care and organizational management.

Sen. Collins has a responsibility to require the DHHS secretary to have the right qualifications for the position. Kennedy is the wrong person to be secretary of DHHS.

Juliana L’Heuerux, Topsham

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