Former Rep. Burgess Leading Contender For CDC Chief
Former Representative Michael Burgess, M.D., R-TX, is a top choice for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director. Former Rep. Dave Weldon’s nomination was pulled over vaccine skepticism.
Burgess, 74, practiced obstetrics and gynecology before going to Congress in 2003. He chose not to seek re-election in 2024. He is known as a major health policy wonk, supported COVID vaccination, and was an advocate for providers. At the same time, he is a conservative and not in favor of major expansion of government programs. He led the House’s Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. He also headed the GOP Doctor’s Caucus.
Another name that has been floated is Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, M.D., who is an ardent vaccine skeptic and would be extremely controversial.
#cdc #trump #congress #nominations
First 60 Days Of Trump 47 Healthcare
Modern Healthcare has a nice calendar of the first 60 days under Trump 47 in terms of major healthcare decision. My highlights from the article include:
- Layoffs, buyout offers, and workforce slashing
- Regulatory freeze
- Spending freeze
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) indirect cost reductions
- Confirmation of all but one nominee thus far
- Exchange regulation that will impact enrollment
- Artificial intelligence regulations axed
- World Health Organization withdrawal
- Defense of the government position in Star lawsuits brought by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans
- Promises to safeguard Medicaid and Medicare coverage
- Defense of Medicare drug price negotiation law
- Elimination of Medicaid social determinants focus
- Killing of certain value-based care pilots
- Price transparency executive order
- Defending appeals of Medicare Advantage marketing rules
- Tariffs impacting healthcare products and drugs
(Article may require a subscription.)
#healthcare #trump
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/trump-healthcare-executive-orders-rfk
— Marc S. Ryan
