Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repealed a longstanding transparency rule on Friday, granting HHS greater power to change policies on Medicaid, NIH funding, and federal benefits without advance public notice or comment.
The rule, known as the “Richardson Waiver,” was issued in 1971 to increase transparency by requiring HHS to solicit public feedback before making policy changes related to grants, loans, benefits, and contracts. Kennedy’s repeal removes that obligation, allowing the agency to implement major changes more quickly.
Kennedy defended the move, stating that the waiver imposed unnecessary costs and slowed government efficiency. Legal experts say the repeal could pave the way for significant shifts, such as adding work requirements to Medicaid or redrawing NIH research funding priorities.
Critics argue the move limits public input on decisions affecting millions of Americans. State attorneys general have already cited the waiver in lawsuits challenging NIH funding cuts, and legal challenges to Kennedy’s repeal are expected.
Sources:
- CBS News – MBFC Rating
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