The United States Preventive Services Task Force has experienced disruptions under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Recently, he canceled meetings in July and November of last year, as well as in March of this year.
The Trump administration has now postponed the task force’s meetings for the fourth time. This panel, crucial for reviewing scientific evidence on health tests and medications, has not met in person since March 2025. It usually holds three meetings annually to evaluate preventive measures for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV.
The task force’s recommendations play a significant role in guiding doctors and determining insurance coverage for millions. However, under Mr. Kennedy, the panel has struggled to establish new recommendations. A recent delay was confirmed by Emily Hilliard, spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services, with the meeting pushed to late August.
Ms. Hilliard cited an unexpected influx of nominations for task force positions as the cause for postponement. More time is required to select and prepare new members. In June 2025, the Supreme Court authorized Mr. Kennedy to unilaterally remove panel members and override decisions.
Mr. Kennedy’s actions include failing to fill vacancies after some members’ terms expired and dismissing the two chairs in May. A Federal Register notice in April requested nominations with a deadline of May 23, mentioning that the relevant documents were publicly accessible at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
However, on June 15, a New York Times reporter was denied access to these materials. Officials stated the need to redact documents but have not addressed inquiries about their availability.
Maggie Astor, who reports on women’s health and the impacts of government policies for The Times, highlights these developments.