Removal of Thimerosal from Vaccines Approved. On July 23rd, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signed off on July 23 on the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices’ (ACIP’s) June recommendation to remove thimerosal from influenza vaccines. Secretary Kennedy made the decision that would typically be made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director, who was not confirmed at the time. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, has drawn scrutiny from skeptics who have questioned whether it may be associated with a higher incidence of autism. However, currently scientific research shows no link between autism and thimerosal. Notably, the Secretary only signed off on this recommendation, which was part of several issued by ACIP, including the recommendation that everyone should get a flu shot.
With Congress and much of Washington escaping the August heat and humidity, this weekly update will also take a brief hiatus. The next issue will be distributed the week of August 11, with regular weekly updates resuming after Labor Day. We will share any urgent news should it arise in the meantime. We hope your summer has been relaxing and enjoyable.
Labor-HHS Bill Passes Committee. Before breaking for the August recess, the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations passed its version of the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. While the bill passed, the legislative text was not available at time of publication of this update. American Nurses Association staff are monitoring the appropriations process closely when it resumes after recess and will continue to provide updates, focusing on areas of key importance for nurses.
Administration Gathers Tech Leaders. The Trump Administration hosted a July 30 “Make Health Tech Great Again” event that brought together leaders in healthcare and information technology from companies such as Google, Amazon, Anthropic, Apple, and OpenAI. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the focus of the event was to lay the foundation for a future health information system that will improve patient outcomes, reduce burden on providers, and drive value. Administration goals center around creating a CMS Interoperability Framework and increasing the availability of personalized tools available directly to patients to allow them to make informed healthcare choices. The Framework is part of CMS’ Health Technology Ecosystem Initiative, where companies pledge to meet certain CMS Interoperability criteria to be considered CMS Aligned Networks.
Monarez Confirmed as CDC Director. The U.S. Senate confirmed July 29 Susan Monarez as CDC Director by a 51-47 vote. Due to a 2023 law, this is the first time that a CDC Director has required Senate approval. Monarez is a health scientist with a background in pandemic preparedness and biosecurity. Her confirmation came with a little scrutiny due to her views on vaccines and close relationship with HHS Secretary Kennedy.
New EO Targets Mental Health and Homelessness. President Trump issued a July 24 Executive Order (EO), Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets, which frames homelessness and crime as public safety threats. The EO directs federal agencies to encourage the use of civil commitment or institutionalization for homeless individuals who suffer from mental illness or addiction and pose safety risks to the community. Counties and localities experiencing shortages in mental health treatment beds can access additional federal dollars to bolster access to treatment and improve capacity. Additionally, this EO restricts Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants from funding harm reduction measures and safe injection sites.
