News Release
10/08/96

Isaacs Named MDCH Director For Health Legislation & Policy Development

Carol L. Isaacs has been appointed Director for Health Legislation and Policy Development of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).

"Carol's strong clinical, legal and legislative expertise will help the consolidated department develop a cohesive health care policy," said MDCH Director James K. Haveman, Jr. "She will also manage all legislative analysis for the department." Isaacs will work closely with Paul Tarr, MDCH Legislative Liaison for Appropriations.

Policy development will be a lead element in the department's new direction, Haveman said. "Our new focus is on managed care initiatives that will improve quality of care, better organize public health services, and contain rapidly-growing health care costs. This requires Carol's expertise to assist us in working with the legislature to implement these plans," he said.

For the past two years, Isaacs has been health care policy advisor to the Senate majority office. There, she assisted in formulating policy and legislation in the areas of health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, public health issues, and health care budgets. A registered nurse, Isaacs previously worked as a critical care nurse and manager of inpatient acute care hospital units for nearly 20 years. Isaacs is also an attorney, with litigation experience at the district court level and an interest in senior health care issues and health care law. She received numerous awards during her academic career, including an American Jurisprudence Award in health law.

Isaacs is a resident of East Lansing. She begins her MDCH role on October 21.

Contact: Media Office
October 8, 1996
517-335-8003