The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has cancelled future meetings of preventive healthcare expert advisors, raising questions about the future of long-standing non-political advisory groups.
A HHS spokesperson confirmed with CNN that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which has set up recommendations for cancer screening, STI testing and other preventive care, will not meet on the previously scheduled Thursday.
On Monday afternoon, a notice was sent that the office of HHS Executive Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had postponed its July meeting.
“Now, HHS looks forward to engaging with the task force to promote the health and well-being of the American people,” the notification continued.
But cancellations also arrive when Kennedy restructures the health agency and pushes them to erase what he calls long-standing healthcare industry impacts on policy. Kennedy rejected the Center for the US 17 Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Advisory Committee last month, and appointed eight new picks two days later to guide the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Several new members have questioned the safety of the vaccine. The two have testified in court against vaccine manufacturers.
“Among those associated with the task force that it is about to be rejected, as ACIP did, “There is an extraordinary concern,” said someone familiar with the meeting.
Kennedy’s control over the task force was recently solidified by the US Supreme Court. Last month, in a case that challenged the general provisions of the Affordable Care Act, the judge supported the constitutionality of a task force that recommends preventive health services that insurers must cover at a non-cost basis. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have argued that the task force is properly set up. Therefore, the recommendation should be supported as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services was able to name and fire that member.
The 16-member task force was established in 1984 and provides recommendations on preventive services such as cancer, various disorders and counseling. This helps Americans become aware of illnesses and conditions early when treatment can be easier and cheaper. Affordable Care Act requires that these services be provided free of charge to patients.
Consumer advocates supported the Supreme Court’s decision, but they warned that Kennedy would give more power than recommendations for preventive care.
“The big point here is that the Task Force recommendations are binding, as intended by the ACA drafters,” University of Michigan law professor Nicholas Bagley posted on X last month. “But this scheme is constitutional because Sec Kennedy has almost complete control over the task force recommendations. Mixed bags!”
The agenda for Thursday’s meeting was to include discussions on recommendations for “preventing cardiovascular disease in adults for healthy diet, physical activity, and/or weight loss.” This focuses on “behavioral counseling interventions.” panel Usually, they could meet in person three times a year, and they met in person on Thursdays. Plus, they usually meet almost every week.
