A prime U.S. well being lobbying group is looking on Well being and Human Companies Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to not dismiss a preventive care job pressure following a report he is planning to take away all of its members in the identical manner he ousted a complete vaccine advisory board earlier this 12 months.
The American Medical Affiliation (AMA) wrote to Kennedy on Sunday to precise its “deep concern” over reporting that Kennedy is planning to dismiss all members of america Preventive Companies Activity Pressure (USPSTF).
“USPSTF members have been selected through an open, public nomination process and are nationally recognized experts in primary care, prevention and evidence-based medicine. They serve on a volunteer basis, dedicating their time to help reduce disease and improve the health of all Americans—a mission well-aligned with the Make America Healthy Again initiative,” the AMA wrote in a letter to Kennedy.
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The Wall Road Journal reported late final week that Kennedy was planning to dismiss the whole 16-member panel for being too “woke” in his eyes, citing folks acquainted with the choice. The report comes after Kennedy in June dismissed the whole Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, changing the members with some identified spreaders of vaccine misinformation.
When reached for remark by The Hill, a spokesperson the Division of Well being and Human Companies (HHS) stated, “No final decision has been made on how the USPSTF can better support HHS’ mandate to Make America Healthy Again.”
Simply final month, the USPSTF’s powers to make suggestions survived authorized scrutiny when the Supreme Court docket upheld their constitutionality. Plaintiffs within the case argued the panel was unconstitutional. The case started when a Texas enterprise didn’t want to cowl HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, which is really helpful by the USPSTF.
“Given the essential role USPSTF members play in weighing the benefits and harms of preventive services such as screenings, behavioral counseling, and preventive medications, and making evidence-based recommendations for implementation in primary care settings, we urge you to keep the previously appointed USPSTF members and continue the task force’s regular meeting schedule to ensure recommendations are put forth, updated, and disseminated without delay,” the AMA instructed Kennedy.
