Ascension Health HIPAA Web Site
Maintained by Don Stry, Information Services Division
(812) 228-2131 Email: dstry@ascensionhealth.org
Section: HIPAA News Articles
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson Resigns
12/07/04
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tommy Thompson Friday submitted his formal resignation to President Bush, marking the eighth member of Bush's cabinet to resign before the start of Bush's second term, according to the Associated Press.
During a news conference, Thompson explained that although it's time to move on to the "next chapter" in his life, he is proud of his accomplishments during his time as HHS secretary. He discussed the passing of the Medicare Modernization Act, the new attention to disease prevention, the fight against AIDS, and the efforts against terrorism.
CMS administrator Mark McClellan will likely take over the role when Thompson officially steps down—either February 4 or when the Senate confirms his successor. Thomson served as HHS secretary for four years.