Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of James Birchem, Christine Rice, and Ann Tagtmeyer to the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators. All are reappointed to four year terms that expire January 2, 2012.

Birchem, of Little Falls, is the president and CEO of ElderCare in Little Falls. In this capacity, he is the owner/operator of eight nursing homes and 16 assisted living communities located in greater Minnesota. Birchem has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 1983. He is a retired member of the Minnesota National Guard and is a member of the Governor’s Veterans Health Care Advisory Council. Birchem received a bachelor of arts degree in accounting and a master of business degree from St. Cloud State University. He is reappointed to a board position for a manager, operator, or owner of a proprietary nursing home.

Tagtmeyer, of Mendota Heights, is a parent, volunteer and part-time fitness instructor. Tagtmeyer previously served as an officer in the U.S. Army. She received a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology from the University of Virginia. Tagtmeyer serves as the chairperson of the board's education committee and is reappointed to a board position for a public member.

Rice, of Lake Elmo, served as deputy commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Health from 1995 to 1997. She served for a number of years on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco (ClearWay Minnesota) and from 1994-2003, she served on the Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. She is a former member of the Commission on Judicial Selection and is a current member of the MnSCU Board of Trustees and Minnesota Smoke Free Coalition. Rice received a bachelor of arts degree in speech/communication from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. She is reappointed as a public member of the board.

The Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators licenses nursing home administrators. In addition, the board investigates complaints and has the authority to revoke or suspend an administrator's license. The board is made up of nine members appointed by the Governor, as well as ex-officio members from the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Human Services.