Advocacy Update Apr. 1, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Apr. 1, 2025
Regulatory Affairs
HHS announced major department restructuring
On March 27, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a major restructuring in alignment with President Trump’s Executive Order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.”
The plan calls for a reduction of approximately 10,000 full-time employees, a consolidation of HHS divisions from 28 to 15, and a decrease in regional offices from 10 to 5. In total, HHS expects to reduce its workforce by 20,000 full-time employees through a combination of early retirements, voluntary buyouts, the “Fork in the Road” program, and involuntary reductions in force. According to the press release, the restructuring aims to enhance efficiency and responsiveness while preserving Medicare.
The parts of the restructuring plan announced include:
Creation of the Administration for a Healthy America, which will combine multiple agencies — the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Health Resources and Services Administration, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Combining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
Addition of a New Assistant Secretary for Enforcement: HHS will create a new Assistant Secretary for Enforcement to oversee the Departmental Appeals Board, Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, and Office for Civil Rights to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in federal health programs.
Research and Evaluation for Health Policy: HHS will merge the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to create the Office of Strategy to enhance research that informs the Secretary’s policies and improves the effectiveness of federal health programs.
Reorganization of the Administration for Community Living: Critical programs that support older adults and people with disabilities will be integrated into other HHS agencies, including the Administration for Children and Families, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). According to the HHS press release, this reorganization will not impact Medicare and Medicaid services.
The AADA offered to be a resource for HHS and is monitoring the restructuring and its impact on the practice of dermatology.
Transition Update
Senate confirms Drs. Bhattacharya to lead NIH and Makary to head FDA
Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, and Martin Makary, MD, were confirmed by the Senate as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), respectively. Dr. Bhattacharya, a physician and economist, has pledged to address chronic health conditions and advance President Trump and HHS Secretary Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Dr. Makary, a surgeon and medical commentator, was the keynote speaker at the 2023 AADA Legislative Conference.
State Advocacy
Step therapy reform bill headed to New Jersey governor
New Jersey will become the latest state to enact step therapy reform after the New Jersey Senate unanimously passed a bill that will be considered by Gov. Phil Murphy. The AADA has supported this effort since 2020 in partnership with the Dermatological Society of New Jersey and State Access to Innovative Medicines Coalition.
AADA News
Contribute to SkinPAC
As of March 27, SkinPAC has raised $550,584 from 554 individuals. SkinPAC is now the second-largest physician-led political action committee, right behind the American Society of Anesthesiologists PAC.
Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777. Email skinpac@aad.org with any questions.
The political purpose of the American Academy of Dermatology Association Political Action Committee ("SkinPAC") is to solicit and receive contributions to be used to make political campaign expenditures to those candidates for elective office, and other federal political committees, who demonstrate understanding and interest in the view and goals of the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Contributions to SkinPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to SkinPAC must be made from your funds and may not be reimbursed. SkinPAC cannot accept contributions from corporate accounts. Any recommended contribution amount is merely a suggestion. All AADA members have the right to contribute more or less or refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits us from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, physical address, occupation, and name of the employer whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
