Secretary Kennedy will announce significant changes to the US Department of Health and Human Services, which will cut roughly a quarter of the workforce, reshape the nation’s health agencies, and close 5 of the 10 HHS regional offices.
As part of the reorganization, Kennedy is creating a new subdivision called the Administration for a Healthy America, will include the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), as well as two groups that currently reside within the CDC: the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Other key changes include:Â
- A new Assistant Secretary of Enforcement that will include several offices related to adjudicating or investigating disputes related to Medicare and areas of HHS.Â
- A new Office of Strategy that will include the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), will merge with the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE).Â
- Programs for older adults currently under the Administration for Community Living (ACL) will move to other divisions of HHS, including CMS.Â
Specific information on changes to the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, as well as other HRSA programs, are not yet known.  NRHA will keep members apprised as additional information becomes available.
