On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a policy change in the Federal Register. The change involves rescinding a long-standing requirement for HHS to conduct public notice and comment procedures on various agency actions. This decision has prompted concern from 22 national patient organizations representing millions of individuals with serious health conditions.
The organizations released a statement expressing their worries about the sudden policy shift: “Our organizations express deep concerns with this sudden policy change published in the Federal Register on Monday. The notice and comment process provides an invaluable platform for patients to share real world experiences, concerns, and implications of the proposed rules, generating valuable feedback to agencies and other policymakers."
They emphasized that this process allows public participation in developing healthcare regulations, which can lead to policies that better address patient needs and improve access to quality care. They added, "Removing the notice and comment process significantly limits transparency into agency action that has a direct impact on patients accessing essential health services."
The groups are worried that some policies might be finalized or rescinded without adequate notice or public scrutiny. This could potentially create confusion among healthcare stakeholders, including state and local governments as well as healthcare providers.
In their statement, they urged HHS to reconsider its decision: “On behalf of the millions of patients we represent, we urge the Department of Health and Human Services to swiftly reconsider and reverse this policy change.”
The list of concerned organizations includes AiArthritis, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Kidney Fund, American Lung Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Family Voices, Hemophilia Federation of America, Lutheran Services in America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, National Health Council, National Kidney Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF), Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), Susan G. Komen, The AIDS Institute, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
