made remarks about setting up a registry for people with autism, there has been a wave of cancellations of evaluations within the autism community. People with autism and parents of autistic children are expressing panic and distrust, leading them to request the erasure of their diagnoses and cancel appointments with medical professionals. This response is fueled by concerns about being targeted for having the diagnosis following Kennedy’s comments about autism being an “epidemic” and his assertions that autistic individuals would never be able to date, pay taxes, or play sports.
The fear of being stigmatized and the potential negative impact on autism research have caused a significant backlash within the community and among longtime researchers. The autism community is pushing back against the characterization of autism as an epidemic and is advocating for continued support and understanding for individuals with autism.
In another development, a new federal report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) contradicts medical groups’ guidance on care for transgender youth. The report advocates for behavioral therapy over broad gender-affirming medical care for youths with gender dysphoria. This stance goes against the recommendations of major medical groups and raises concerns about the access to appropriate care for transgender youth in the United States.
Furthermore, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against three Medicare Advantage insurers, including CVS Health’s Aetna, Elevance Health’s Anthem, and Humana. The lawsuit alleges a scheme in which the insurers bribed insurance brokers to steer older adults to their policies. This action highlights the challenges and potential abuses within the Medicare Advantage market, which covers a significant portion of Medicare enrollees.
Lastly, a government laboratory working on dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and Eastern equine encephalitis was ordered to cease operations due to safety violations. The lab, part of the NIH’s Integrated Research Institute at Fort Detrick, Md., faced serious safety concerns, including an incident where a staff member allegedly tampered with a colleague’s protective equipment. The lab director has been placed on administrative leave, and investigations are ongoing to address the safety issues at the facility. When the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made the controversial decision in late February to suspend public comment on a significant portion of its business operations, it sparked immediate backlash from numerous patient advocacy groups. However, members of Congress remained relatively silent on the matter until just recently.
Democratic lawmakers have now taken a stand against the administration’s decision by introducing two resolutions aimed at urging HHS to reverse its course. The House and Senate resolutions have garnered support from a wide range of organizations, including the National Rural Health Association, Children’s Hospital Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the United Steelworkers. Additionally, former federal health officials have joined the chorus of voices calling for HHS to reinstate the public comment process.
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, a former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), expressed concerns over HHS’s reluctance to hear from individuals impacted by government policies. She emphasized the importance of allowing stakeholders to provide input and feedback on decisions that directly affect their health and well-being.
Meanwhile, in the realm of public health and science, there is ongoing reflection on the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. An opinion piece in STAT highlights the need for a thorough post-mortem analysis of the public health measures implemented during the crisis. Additionally, concerns about the future of science in the US are raised in an article by New Scientist, prompting discussions on the importance of supporting scientific research and innovation.
At a recent conference at Stanford University, leaders in the biotech industry shared their apprehensions about certain policies enacted by the Trump administration. The event served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders in the biotech sector.
In a troubling development, it was revealed that the Trump administration had canceled $1 billion in grants for student mental health. This decision has raised significant concerns about the impact on mental health services and support for students across the country.
As the debate over HHS’s suspension of public comment continues to unfold, it is clear that stakeholders are determined to hold the administration accountable and ensure that the voices of those affected by government policies are heard. The resolutions introduced by Democratic lawmakers signal a growing pushback against the lack of transparency and accountability in decision-making processes within HHS.
