Secretary of Health and Human Services - 101
"Controversial HHS Secretary Kennedy Rescinds Key Waiver, Sparking Concerns over Transparency and Public Input"
In recent days, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been at the center of significant developments, largely driven by the actions and leadership style of its new Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
On February 28, 2025, Secretary Kennedy issued a policy statement that has sparked considerable controversy and concern within the health care industry and beyond. This statement rescinds a long-standing waiver known as the Richardson Waiver, which had required HHS to undergo the Administrative Procedure Act’s (APA) notice-and-comment rulemaking process for rules related to agency management, personnel, public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts. By rescinding this waiver, HHS is no longer obligated to seek public input on these types of rules, unless otherwise mandated by law[1][4].
This decision has raised alarms among legal experts and advocates, as it contradicts Secretary Kennedy’s earlier pledges of “radical transparency.” The move is seen as potentially limiting public participation in HHS decision-making, which could have far-reaching implications for health care policies, including those related to grants, loans, benefits, and contracts. Organizations such as LeadingAge have expressed concern that this change could negatively impact critical areas such as payment, regulations, safety, and operations[4].
The implications of this policy statement are particularly nuanced when it comes to federal health benefit programs. While the statement does not apply to Medicare policies, which are subject to independent rulemaking requirements under the Social Security Act, it could potentially affect rules governing Medicaid and other federal health benefit programs. However, the extent to which HHS will interpret and apply this exemption remains unclear[1].
In addition to this policy change, Secretary Kennedy’s leadership style and certain stances on health issues have also been under scrutiny. His controversial views on vaccines, for instance, have been a subject of debate. Despite extensive research showing that vaccines do not cause autism, Kennedy has promoted the idea that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective. These views are at odds with the scientific consensus and have raised concerns about the direction of public health policy under his leadership[2].
Internal tensions within HHS have also come to the forefront. On March 3, 2025, Thomas Corry, the U.S. assistant secretary of public affairs, announced his resignation due to internal clashing over Kennedy’s management style and the escalating health emergencies, including a growing measles outbreak. This resignation highlights the internal strife and challenges facing the department under Kennedy’s leadership[3].
Overall, the recent actions and decisions of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have introduced significant changes and uncertainties within the Department of Health and Human Services, prompting close monitoring from various stakeholders and raising questions about the future of health care policy and public health initiatives.
On February 28, 2025, Secretary Kennedy issued a policy statement that has sparked considerable controversy and concern within the health care industry and beyond. This statement rescinds a long-standing waiver known as the Richardson Waiver, which had required HHS to undergo the Administrative Procedure Act’s (APA) notice-and-comment rulemaking process for rules related to agency management, personnel, public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts. By rescinding this waiver, HHS is no longer obligated to seek public input on these types of rules, unless otherwise mandated by law[1][4].
This decision has raised alarms among legal experts and advocates, as it contradicts Secretary Kennedy’s earlier pledges of “radical transparency.” The move is seen as potentially limiting public participation in HHS decision-making, which could have far-reaching implications for health care policies, including those related to grants, loans, benefits, and contracts. Organizations such as LeadingAge have expressed concern that this change could negatively impact critical areas such as payment, regulations, safety, and operations[4].
The implications of this policy statement are particularly nuanced when it comes to federal health benefit programs. While the statement does not apply to Medicare policies, which are subject to independent rulemaking requirements under the Social Security Act, it could potentially affect rules governing Medicaid and other federal health benefit programs. However, the extent to which HHS will interpret and apply this exemption remains unclear[1].
In addition to this policy change, Secretary Kennedy’s leadership style and certain stances on health issues have also been under scrutiny. His controversial views on vaccines, for instance, have been a subject of debate. Despite extensive research showing that vaccines do not cause autism, Kennedy has promoted the idea that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective. These views are at odds with the scientific consensus and have raised concerns about the direction of public health policy under his leadership[2].
Internal tensions within HHS have also come to the forefront. On March 3, 2025, Thomas Corry, the U.S. assistant secretary of public affairs, announced his resignation due to internal clashing over Kennedy’s management style and the escalating health emergencies, including a growing measles outbreak. This resignation highlights the internal strife and challenges facing the department under Kennedy’s leadership[3].
Overall, the recent actions and decisions of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have introduced significant changes and uncertainties within the Department of Health and Human Services, prompting close monitoring from various stakeholders and raising questions about the future of health care policy and public health initiatives.
- Broadcast on:
- 04 Mar 2025
In recent days, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been at the center of significant developments, largely driven by the actions and leadership style of its new Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
On February 28, 2025, Secretary Kennedy issued a policy statement that has sparked considerable controversy and concern within the health care industry and beyond. This statement rescinds a long-standing waiver known as the Richardson Waiver, which had required HHS to undergo the Administrative Procedure Act’s (APA) notice-and-comment rulemaking process for rules related to agency management, personnel, public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts. By rescinding this waiver, HHS is no longer obligated to seek public input on these types of rules, unless otherwise mandated by law[1][4].
This decision has raised alarms among legal experts and advocates, as it contradicts Secretary Kennedy’s earlier pledges of “radical transparency.” The move is seen as potentially limiting public participation in HHS decision-making, which could have far-reaching implications for health care policies, including those related to grants, loans, benefits, and contracts. Organizations such as LeadingAge have expressed concern that this change could negatively impact critical areas such as payment, regulations, safety, and operations[4].
The implications of this policy statement are particularly nuanced when it comes to federal health benefit programs. While the statement does not apply to Medicare policies, which are subject to independent rulemaking requirements under the Social Security Act, it could potentially affect rules governing Medicaid and other federal health benefit programs. However, the extent to which HHS will interpret and apply this exemption remains unclear[1].
In addition to this policy change, Secretary Kennedy’s leadership style and certain stances on health issues have also been under scrutiny. His controversial views on vaccines, for instance, have been a subject of debate. Despite extensive research showing that vaccines do not cause autism, Kennedy has promoted the idea that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective. These views are at odds with the scientific consensus and have raised concerns about the direction of public health policy under his leadership[2].
Internal tensions within HHS have also come to the forefront. On March 3, 2025, Thomas Corry, the U.S. assistant secretary of public affairs, announced his resignation due to internal clashing over Kennedy’s management style and the escalating health emergencies, including a growing measles outbreak. This resignation highlights the internal strife and challenges facing the department under Kennedy’s leadership[3].
Overall, the recent actions and decisions of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have introduced significant changes and uncertainties within the Department of Health and Human Services, prompting close monitoring from various stakeholders and raising questions about the future of health care policy and public health initiatives.
On February 28, 2025, Secretary Kennedy issued a policy statement that has sparked considerable controversy and concern within the health care industry and beyond. This statement rescinds a long-standing waiver known as the Richardson Waiver, which had required HHS to undergo the Administrative Procedure Act’s (APA) notice-and-comment rulemaking process for rules related to agency management, personnel, public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts. By rescinding this waiver, HHS is no longer obligated to seek public input on these types of rules, unless otherwise mandated by law[1][4].
This decision has raised alarms among legal experts and advocates, as it contradicts Secretary Kennedy’s earlier pledges of “radical transparency.” The move is seen as potentially limiting public participation in HHS decision-making, which could have far-reaching implications for health care policies, including those related to grants, loans, benefits, and contracts. Organizations such as LeadingAge have expressed concern that this change could negatively impact critical areas such as payment, regulations, safety, and operations[4].
The implications of this policy statement are particularly nuanced when it comes to federal health benefit programs. While the statement does not apply to Medicare policies, which are subject to independent rulemaking requirements under the Social Security Act, it could potentially affect rules governing Medicaid and other federal health benefit programs. However, the extent to which HHS will interpret and apply this exemption remains unclear[1].
In addition to this policy change, Secretary Kennedy’s leadership style and certain stances on health issues have also been under scrutiny. His controversial views on vaccines, for instance, have been a subject of debate. Despite extensive research showing that vaccines do not cause autism, Kennedy has promoted the idea that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective. These views are at odds with the scientific consensus and have raised concerns about the direction of public health policy under his leadership[2].
Internal tensions within HHS have also come to the forefront. On March 3, 2025, Thomas Corry, the U.S. assistant secretary of public affairs, announced his resignation due to internal clashing over Kennedy’s management style and the escalating health emergencies, including a growing measles outbreak. This resignation highlights the internal strife and challenges facing the department under Kennedy’s leadership[3].
Overall, the recent actions and decisions of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have introduced significant changes and uncertainties within the Department of Health and Human Services, prompting close monitoring from various stakeholders and raising questions about the future of health care policy and public health initiatives.