Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is in charge of a large health regulatory agency. His recent actions and proposed plans have caused alarm bells to go off among the medical community. In this leadership, the U.S. government is staring down deep cuts and job losses, which will be devastating in health advisory capacities. In June, Kennedy went big and took the unprecedented step of firing all 17 members of a critical CDC advisory panel that focuses on vaccines. This decision was met with a strong public outcry. This unprecedented action has led to widespread panic regarding the long-term viability of public health campaigns and their funding.
Kennedy’s first order of business will be to transform the USPSTF to go beyond healthcare reform. That’s because this key advisory panel determines which preventive health services—including critical cancer screenings—insurance companies must cover. His slogan, “Making America healthy again,” reflects an ambition to reshape health policy, yet it has drawn both support and criticism from various sectors.
The American Medical Association (AMA), alongside 103 other health organizations, expressed their concerns in a letter addressed to congressional health committees. In their letter, they called on legislators to act and “ensure the integrity” of the USPSTF. Members of this collaborative panel of experts have been appointed by public health and human services secretaries for four-year terms. The AMA lamented Kennedy’s actions as driven more by political ideology than the interests of public health.
“The continued occupation of an important advisory body in HHS – one that has the capacity to force private health insurers to cover services and procedures – by leftwing activists would be a grave oversight by the Trump administration,” – American Medical Association.
Georges Benjamin, the long-time executive director of the American Public Health Association, referred to Kennedy’s actions as “a coup.” He fears it dilutes a strong and effective system that has proactively protected the public’s health. Members of the USPSTF are appointed based on a public nomination process. In addition, they are nationally known as the nation’s premier experts in primary care, prevention and evidence-based medicine. They legally serve on a voluntary basis to advance the goals of public health.
The AMA’s letter even quoted op-eds written by conservative media outlets, including The American Conservative. These opinion pieces alleged that the USPSTF was advancing “leftwing ideological orthodoxy.” This leads to a more comprehensive story that grew during Donald Trump’s presidency. For instance, he repeatedly took to task anyone that he deemed too liberal or politically motivated in its output.
In response to these new developments, the AMA has been on the offense to protect the independence of the USPSTF. They urge everyone to recognize the importance of keeping the preventive health field political and partisan attack-free, ensuring expertise and objectivity in these vital efforts.
Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for Kennedy’s office, attempted to quell concerns by stating, “No final decision has been made on how the USPSTF can better support HHS’ mandate to Make America Healthy Again.” This response can be seen as a signal that conversations about the future role, scope and function of the USPSTF have only just begun.
Kennedy to make dramatic changes in the way health advisory panels operate. These decisions would have a profound impact on access to preventive care across the United States. The medical community remains vigilant, advocating for adherence to evidence-based practices while navigating the shifting landscape of public health policy.