Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
RFK Jr. Ousts Experts From Preventive Services Task Force; AMA Denounces Move
AP: RFK Jr. Fires Leaders Of Group That Sets Guidelines For Health Screenings
The Trump administration has fired the two leaders of an influential health group that determines when insurance must provide free preventive care, like mammograms and colonoscopies, for millions of Americans. In letters dated May 11, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. notified the two doctors who chaired the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that he was terminating their appointments immediately, before the end of their multiyear terms. (Neergaard, 5/20)
Medical Economics: RFK Jr. Fires USPSTF Vice Chairs, Drawing Sharp Rebuke From AMA
The American Medical Association wasted no time in condemning the action. "The AMA is extremely concerned by today's HHS decision to remove the vice-chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force," said Bobby Mukkamala, MD, AMA president, in a statement. ... “We strongly urge HHS to restore the USPSTF's long-standing, transparent process for selecting members, specifically clinicians with expertise in the fields of preventive medicine and primary care. We also implore HHS to commit to once again holding regular Task Force meetings to ensure its important work can continue without further delay. Our patients' lives depend on it." (5/20)
More MAHA news —
The New York Times: A Vacant Surgeon General’s Office Issues a Warning About Screen Time
The surgeon general’s office on Wednesday issued a warning about the dangers of screen time for young people, linking excessive time online to worse sleep issues, anxiety, depression, alcohol use and other health harms. The advisory calls on children and adolescents to “live real life” and go outside, and for parents to discuss boundaries around technology and to delay screen time for “as long as possible.” The report was produced by the office of the surgeon general, however, that post has remained empty since January 2025. (Blum, 5/20)
KCCI 8 Des Moines: Iowa Signs New Law Limiting Classroom Screen Time
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Iowa’s new “Make America Healthy Again” bill into law Wednesday, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., putting new statewide limits on classroom screen time for younger students while launching a broader push focused on childhood health and chronic disease prevention. One of the bill’s provisions limits digital instruction on one-to-one devices to 60 minutes a day for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with several exceptions. (Purpura, 5/20)
Politico: Radiologist By Trade, Farmer On The Side. How Trump’s Surgeon General Pick Uses A Tax Loophole In New Jersey.
Nicole Saphier joins a list of well-off residents who've taken advantage of a state law allowing steep discounts for land designated for agricultural use. (Han, 5/21)
Also —
The Wall Street Journal: How Zyn Became All The Rage Inside Trump World—Including With RFK Jr.
Nicotine pouches have gained popularity across the administration, with even key health officials including Kennedy indulging. (Whyte, Dawsey and Barber, 5/18)
