HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ordered the removal of 17 members of the CDC's independent vaccine advisory committee (ACIP), raising concerns that this politically charged move undermines the committee's independence and the credibility of federal vaccine policy.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reaffirmed its commitment to federal restrictions on lobbying by grant recipients. The policy ensures that federal funds are not used to lobby officials or influence legislation, thereby securing the integrity of federal funding and limiting corporate or special interest influence.

After additional consultation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health dropped its opposition to an election for unionizing early-career researchers. This withdrawal paves the way for labor rights enhancement and better working conditions within a federal research institution.

The HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons published an informational memorandum outlining the federal statutory and regulatory framework addressing forced labor in health care and public health supply chains. The guidance aims to help health care administrators and procurement professionals identify and mitigate forced labor risks in product sourcing, reinforcing ethical and human rights standards within the supply chain.