RFK Jr. Sparks Controversy: Health Advisory Shake-Ups Raise Political Concerns

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken significant actions affecting key health advisory bodies, raising concerns about potential political interference in evidence-based health policy.

On July 9, 2025, Secretary Kennedy postponed a scheduled meeting of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that was set for July 10. The USPSTF, established in 1984, is a nonpartisan panel of 16 volunteer experts that provides evidence-based recommendations on preventive health services, influencing which services insurers must cover under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The meeting was intended to discuss behavioral counseling interventions for diet, physical activity, and weight loss to prevent cardiovascular disease. The postponement was communicated via an email from the Immediate Office of the Secretary, stating that HHS looks forward to engaging with the task force to promote the health and well-being of the American people. No specific reason for the postponement was provided. (axios.com)

This action follows the Supreme Court's June 27, 2025, decision affirming the constitutionality of the USPSTF and the HHS Secretary's authority over its appointments and recommendations. The Court ruled that USPSTF members are "inferior officers" under the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and their appointment by the HHS Secretary without Senate confirmation is constitutional. This decision reversed a lower court ruling that had deemed the task force's structure unconstitutional. The majority opinion, authored by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, emphasized that the task force operates under the authority of the HHS Secretary, who can remove or replace members at will. This ruling ensures that preventive services like cancer screenings and HIV prevention continue to be covered at no cost to patients.

In addition to the USPSTF meeting postponement, Secretary Kennedy recently dismissed all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The ACIP is a federal advisory committee that provides guidance on the use of vaccines in the United States. The dismissal of its members has raised apprehensions about the future independence of health advisory panels and the potential for political interference in public health recommendations. (reuters.com)

The abrupt postponement of the USPSTF meeting and the dismissal of ACIP members have elicited concern from various healthcare organizations and professionals. AcademyHealth, a professional group for health services researchers, emphasized the importance of the task force's independence and evidence-based approach. Aaron Carroll, CEO of AcademyHealth, stated, "The task force makes recommendations based on rigorous evidence-based science—not ideology." (axios.com)

In response to the postponement, several primary care professional groups, including the American College of Physicians (ACP), have urged HHS to provide a clear explanation for the decision and to reaffirm its commitment to supporting independent, evidence-based public health policy. ACP President Jason M. Goldman, MD, stated, "We urge HHS to immediately provide a clear explanation for this decision and reaffirm its commitment to supporting independent, evidence-based public health policy."

The recent actions by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including the postponement of the USPSTF meeting and the dismissal of ACIP members, have raised significant concerns about the independence and credibility of health advisory panels. These developments warrant close attention and further analysis to understand their potential impact on public health policy and preventive healthcare services.