Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Then-District 26 Republican candidate Robin Smith speaks during a meet and greet hosted by the League of Women Voters in the Chattanooga Rooms at the University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Sept. 24, 2018, in Chattanooga.NASHVILLE - Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has appointed Rep. Robin Smith, R-Hixson, as chairman of the House Insurance Committee, replacing Republican Rep. Ron Travis of Dayton.
Sexton, R-Crossville, who was elected last week as the GOP-led chamber's new speaker, said in a news release that Smith's "knowledge and experience of the healthcare industry will be a guiding influence as she leads the House Insurance Committee."
(Read more: New Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton describes himself as a 'common-sense conservative')
He said he valued work by Smith, a former nurse, "in drafting and championing key components of our CARE plan, and I know she will be very successful in this new role."
The legislation seeks to transform healthcare by creating a "patient-centered approach" aimed at improving access and quality of care for patients.
Smith served as Life & Health Insurance Subcommittee chairman during the 2019 legislative session.
The House Insurance Committee handles legislation laws involving life and health insurance, the state's TennCare Medicaid program and property and casualty insurance.
She said she is looking forward to "leading this powerful committee, and working with my colleagues to help improve all aspects of our insurance industry, while also ensuring TennCare continues to effectively serve the citizens of Tennessee."