Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Christine Rice to the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators.

Rice, of Lake Elmo, served as Deputy Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Health from 1995-97. Since 1998, Rice has served on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco. From 1994-2003, she served on the Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. Additionally, in 1997, Governor Carlson appointed her to the Advisory Council of Community Based Planning. Rice received a Bachelor's of Arts in Speech/Communication from the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire. Christine and her husband Daniel are the parents of three children.

Rice is appointed to a Board position for a public member and will serve a four-year term ending January 7, 2008. She replaces Glen Woker on 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.