Trump administration directs all federal health agencies to pause public communications through Feb. 1
On Tuesday, January 22, 2025, the Trump administration directed all federal health agencies to pause external communications through Feb. 1, 2025. According to a memorandum issued by the acting head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Dorothy Fink, to the heads of HHS’s operating divisions, the agencies are to refrain from most external communications, such as issuing documents, guidance, or notices, until such documents can be reviewed by a presidential appointee. The halted public communications also include public speaking and social media communications. There are exceptions outlined in the memorandum for communications related to critical health, safety, environmental, financial or national security functions, but those communications are subject to further review. According to Benjamin N. Haynes, the director of media relations for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Communications, "HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health. … This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case-by-case basis.” It is anticipated that the communication pause will be limited in duration and that communications should resume on or around February 1, 2025.
What this means for Healthcare Providers
As a result of the communication pause, policy information and guidance from HHS agencies may be delayed. To the extent guidance is needed on a critical issue, healthcare providers remain encouraged to contact the regulatory agency from which guidance is needed. Though the agency may be prohibited from providing advice during the pause, the healthcare provider can maintain a record of communication with the agency, which may be beneficial for future discussions.
McDonald Hopkins continues to monitor this situation and other changes promulgated by the new administration. In the upcoming weeks, Jane Pine Wood, Elizabeth Sullivan, and Emily Johnson will be presenting a webinar on healthcare regulatory changes associated with the new administration and how such changes may impact the provision of healthcare, reimbursement and enforcement.
