Three University of Maryland School of Nursing Faculty Named to Maryland Health Care Appointments

Baltimore, Md. - Three University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) faculty members have been appointed to Maryland state and Baltimore County health care oversight organizations. Bimbola F. Akintade, PhD ’11, MS ’05, MBA, MHA, BSN ’03, ACNP-BC, NEA-BC, FAANP, (left) associate professor and associate dean for the Master of Science in Nursing program, has been appointed to the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC); Kristen Rawlett, PhD ’14, FNP-BC, FAANP, (middle) assistant professor, has been appointed to the State Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council; and Katie McElroy, PhD ’16, MS ’10, BSN ’98, RN, (right) assistant professor, has been appointed to the Baltimore County Board of Health.

As a commissioner, Akintade will work with a team of health care professionals and leaders to focus upon collaborative initiatives related to broadening Marylanders’ access to high-quality and cost-effective health care services. The commission focuses in particular on aspects such as access to health care, quality and patient safety, innovative health care delivery, health information technology, and information for policy development. The MHCC is an independent state regulatory agency that plans for health system needs, promotes informed decision-making, increases accountability, and improves access to care in a rapidly changing health care environment. Appointed by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Akintade will serve the remainder of a four-year term, ending Sept. 30, 2022, vacated by a former UMSON faculty member who moved out of state.

Rawlett assumed her role in May with the State Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) and Protection Advisory Council, she will review state regulations that potentially impact CEH, educating regarding relevant issues, and advising the governor and the state Legislature on environmental issues that may pose a threat to children. The council identifies environmental health issues for children and seeks to protect children in Maryland from exposure to environmental hazards. It also advises the General Assembly on legislation and recommends uniform guidelines for state agencies to help reduce and eliminate children’s exposure to environmental hazards. Appointed by Hogan, Rawlett will serve a four-year term.

In her role with the Baltimore County Board of Health, McElroy will work to support the county’s government and make recommendations that will promote better health and quality of life for county residents. The board establishes policies for health services within the county, including the system of public health clinics. The board also investigates and studies the causes of disease, epidemics, nuisances affecting public health, and the prevention of contagious diseases. Appointed by Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr., McElroy is completing the first term of a previously vacant seat and will continue to serve into the future.

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top nursing schools nationwide. Enrolling nearly 2,100 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.