HHS Announces Restructuring Plans and Priorities

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a restructuring plan March 27, as part of the Trump administration’s federal workforce reduction and “Make American Healthy Again” initiatives.  

The plan, described by HHS through a press release and factsheet, will eliminate 10,000 full-time agency employees beyond the 10,000 positions eliminated in previous months (reducing the HHS workforce to 62,000 from 82,000), and consolidate various HHS divisions, offices and agencies. HHS would reduce staff at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by 3,500, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by 2,400, National Institutes of Health by 1,200, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by 300. HHS said these reductions will focus on reducing duplication and centralizing administrative functions.

The agency also signaled a new priority to end chronic illness by addressing food safety, clean water and a reduction of environmental toxins. This priority was previously described in the president’s Executive Order 14212.

If you have questions, contact Michael Peters, American College of Radiology® Senior Director, Government Affairs.