The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) urges incoming Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to resume the federal advisory committees for key health-related priority issues as provided under the Federal Advisory Committees Act. Federal advisory committees are an important aspect of the deliberative process for reviewing important scientific information among federal agencies and members of the public as new evidence becomes available. The ability for members of the public and subject matter experts to participate in matters of public interest is not only important for ensuring transparency, but these public forums are also an important aspect of earning and maintaining the public’s trust when federal guidance and guidelines are published with support from interested parties. Specifically, the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB), and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are essential deliberative bodies for ensuring the safe delivery of healthcare in this country. Until recently, these advisory committees regularly held public meetings, providing transparency to interested members of the public and professional organizations like SHEA, about developments in medicine and recommended updates in practice. They develop unifying, evidence-based standards around core infection prevention methods, vaccine safety, and vaccination schedules. Many of those who serve on federal advisory committees do so as experts in patient safety and healthcare delivery quality with years of training and frontline experience. SHEA is concerned that the recent cancellation of federal advisory committee meetings, as well as the expiration of their charters, may signal a lack of prioritizing a transparent and deliberative process for agency guidance and guidelines. SHEA strongly supports continuing these advisory committees with the inclusion of established subject matter experts in these fields to ensure expertise informs the United States’ health policies that keep the public safe.
About SHEA
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) works to advance the science and practice of healthcare epidemiology and infection prevention. Founded in 1980, SHEA promotes education, research, and advocacy to improve patient care and safety. For more information, visit www.shea-online.org.
Contact: Lindsay MacMurray, lmacmurray@shea-online.org