Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Seeking Democratic Support as HHS Pick: This week, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with Senate Democrats on key health committees, seeking to shore up support before confirmation hearings. Kennedy has or plans to meet with Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Mark Warner (D-VA), all of whom sit on the Senate Finance Committee which will be the committee that votes on his confirmation. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will also likely hold a confirmation hearing but that committee will not be charged with approving his confirmation.
Senate Budget Committee Releases Report on Private Equity in Healthcare: On Tuesday, the Senate Budget Committee released its bipartisan report on private equity ownership of hospital systems. The report did not make any specific recommendations, but, “call[s] into question the compatibility of private equity’s profit-driven model with the essential role hospitals play in public health. The consequences of this ownership model -- reduced services, compromised patient care, and even complete hospital closures -- potentially pose a threat to the nation’s health care infrastructure.”
119th Energy and Commerce Committee Membership Finalizing: Weeks after Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) released his list of new GOP Energy & Commerce Committee members, Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) announced new Democrat members on Thursday. New committee members will be:
FDA Releases AI Device Guidance: On Monday, the FDA released a first draft of comprehensive guidelines for AI-utilization in medical devices. The draft guidance includes recommendations for developers’ marketing submissions, saying sponsors should describe postmarket performance monitoring and management of their devices. The draft guidance also recommends manufacturers adhere to the best cybersecurity practices for AI-enabled devices.
CFPB Releases Final Rule Banning Medical Debt from Credit Reports: On Tuesday, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau finalized a rule to remove medical debt from credit reports. The incoming Trump administration is expected to reverse CFFB rules and reduce funding for the agency, which may put the rule under early review even after the Biden Administration prioritized changes since 2022.
We build a strategy around your priorities that can evolve to meet changing demands. Learn how we can elevate your profile and achieve your policy goals.
See All Capabilities
Prime Policy Group is wholly owned by WPP plc.