Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Kelli Johnson, James Langland, and Allen Rasmussen to the Board of Medical Practice.

Kelli Johnson, of Minneapolis, is Project Director for the State Health Access Data Assistance Center at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. From 1995 to 1999, Johnson served as Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health. She received a B.A. in American Studies from St. Olaf College and a M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas. Johnson is a resident of the fifth Congressional District and is appointed to a Board position for a public member. She will serve a four-year term which ends January 7, 2008. She replaces Gerald Kaplan on the Board.

James Langland, of Thief River Falls, has been a licensed physician in Minnesota since 1978. He has practiced internal medicine at the Dakota Clinic in Thief River Falls since 1986. Dr. Langland received a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota and a M.D. from the University of California, San Diego. He is board certified in internal medicine, geriatric medicine, and sports medicine. Dr. Langland is appointed to a Board position for a medical doctor who resides in the seventh Congressional District. Dr. Langland will serve a four-year term which ends January 7, 2008. He fills a vacant seat on the Board.

Allen Rasmussen, of International Falls, served as President of Rainy River Community College from 1993 to 2001. From 2001 to 2002 he served as Acting Superintendent for International Falls Public Schools. Rasmussen received a B.S. in Education from Bemidji State University and a M.A. in Psychology, Counseling and Guidance from the University of Northern Colorado. Rasmussen is a resident of the eighth Congressional District and is appointed to a Board position for a public member. He will serve a four-year term which ends January 7, 2008. Rasmussen joined the board in 2002.

The Board of Medical Practice is responsible for licensing and disciplining physicians as well as the regulation of acupuncturists, athletic trainers, physician assistants, and respiratory care practitioners. The board is made up of 16 members appointed by the Governor.