AMA statement on HHS removing vice chairs of USPSTF

Statement attributable to:
Bobby Mukkamala, MD
President, American Medical Association

"The AMA is extremely concerned by today's HHS decision to remove the vice-chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The task force serves an essential, non-partisan role in making evidence-based recommendations on clinical preventive services and screenings that physicians rely on to prevent disease.

"Today's changes were foreshadowed by the earlier dismantling of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). 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."