Kennedy hints at intended USPSTF reforms at Senate Finance Committee hearing

Reforms pending at USPSTF, plus, FDA rejects promising melanoma drug for the second time

The Cancer Letter’s coverage of HHS-led overhauls of foundational scientific institutions continued last week with two unrelated stories pointing to continued disarray amongst public health leadership.

May 06, 2026

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panel
Ransohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is moving to overhaul the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a highly influential panel that determines which preventive services insurers must cover and guides routine medical care for millions of Americans.

May 01, 2026

Vol.52 No.17

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

CDC’s recommendation to delay infant hepatitis B shot is likely to raise infections, JAMA studies show

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, voted in December to rescind its recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B virus vaccine dose within 24 hours of birth.

May 01, 2026

Vol.52 No.17

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

Senators press Kennedy to release details on Most Favored Nation drug deals

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before two Senate committees on April 22 as part of a final “blitz” of congressional budget hearings.

April 24, 2026

Vol.52 No.16

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

ACIP charter is renewed as meetings remain on indefinite hold

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, renewed its charter April 6. In an announcement in the Federal Register, new criteria for ACIP members were rolled out with a focus on “geographical balance” and a “balance of speciality areas.”

HHS Secretary Kennedy’s diet advice is heavy on meat and light on scientific consensus

The new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, or DGA, which inform federal nutrition policies, school meals, and public health education were announced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earlier this year.

April 08, 2026

Kennedy hints at intended USPSTF reforms at Senate Finance Committee hearing

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Reforms pending at USPSTF, plus, FDA rejects promising melanoma drug for the second time

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panel
Ransohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”

CDC’s recommendation to delay infant hepatitis B shot is likely to raise infections, JAMA studies show

Senators press Kennedy to release details on Most Favored Nation drug deals

ACIP charter is renewed as meetings remain on indefinite hold

HHS Secretary Kennedy’s diet advice is heavy on meat and light on scientific consensus

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Kennedy hints at intended USPSTF reforms at Senate Finance Committee hearing

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Reforms pending at USPSTF, plus, FDA rejects promising melanoma drug for the second time

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panelRansohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”

CDC’s recommendation to delay infant hepatitis B shot is likely to raise infections, JAMA studies show

Senators press Kennedy to release details on Most Favored Nation drug deals

ACIP charter is renewed as meetings remain on indefinite hold

HHS Secretary Kennedy’s diet advice is heavy on meat and light on scientific consensus

Never miss an issue!

Login

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panel
Ransohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”