Overview
- Letters dated May 11, seen by multiple outlets, ended the appointments of co-chairs John Wong and Esa Davis effective immediately and invited them to reapply to the panel.
- The task force has not met since March 2025 and about eight of its 16 seats are currently vacant, leaving the panel short-handed for evidence reviews and guideline updates.
- HHS is accepting applications for new members with a filing deadline of May 23, and the removed chairs normally would have reviewed nominees during the selection process.
- Medical groups including AcademyHealth, the American Medical Association and pediatric societies warn the removals could introduce political influence, delay recommendations, and change which screenings and preventive services insurers must cover without copays.
- The Supreme Court last year affirmed the HHS secretary’s power to replace panel members, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality director will play a central role in reconstituting the task force and restoring its review processes.