AMA Calls for Retaining Task Force Members
On July 27, 2025, the American Medical Association (AMA) issued a statement urging U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. not to fire the members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This influential panel plays a critical role in recommending preventive healthcare measures such as cancer screenings and vaccinations.
The AMA’s letter came in response to concerns over recent moves to dismiss members of important advisory bodies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Specifically, the AMA expressed alarm over reports that Kennedy was planning to remove all 16 members of the USPSTF, a move that could disrupt the task force’s essential work in shaping public health policy.
USPSTF’s Vital Role in Public Health
The USPSTF, which operates as part of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), is tasked with evaluating scientific evidence to recommend preventive measures. These recommendations directly impact millions of Americans by guiding doctors, patients, and policymakers on how best to prevent common diseases.
The AMA emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse and expert group on the task force, arguing that the panel’s evidence-based guidance helps to ensure that healthcare practices remain rooted in the latest scientific research.
A Call for Stability in Public Health Advisory Roles
The AMA’s letter also referenced the earlier decision by Kennedy to replace the members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These changes sparked concerns within the medical community about the integrity of the U.S. healthcare system’s advisory bodies.
In their call to Kennedy, the AMA urged the retention of the USPSTF’s current members, stressing that stability in these advisory roles is crucial for maintaining effective healthcare practices across the country.
