In 'Power Grab,' Health Secretary Azar Asserts Authority Over F.D.A.
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Source: New York Times
In a stunning declaration of authority, Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of health and human services, this week barred the nations health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, from signing any new rules regarding the nations foods, medicines, medical devices and other products, including vaccines.
Going forward, Mr. Azar wrote in a Sept. 15 memorandum obtained by The New York Times, such power is reserved to the Secretary. The bulletin was sent to heads of operating and staff divisions within H.H.S.
Its unclear if or how the memo would change the vetting and approval process for coronavirus vaccines, three of which are in advanced clinical trials in the United States. Political appointees, under pressure from the president, have taken a string of steps over the past few months to interfere with the standard scientific and regulatory processes at the health agencies. For example, a much criticized guideline on testing for the coronavirus was not written by C.D.C. scientists, and was posted on the agencys public website over their objections. It was reversed on Friday.
Outside observers were alarmed by the new memo and worried that it could contribute to a public perception of political meddling in science-based regulatory decisions. Dr. Mark McClellan, who formerly headed the F.D.A. and now runs Duke Universitys health policy center, praised the agencys work on vaccine development but said the policy change was ill-timed.
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/19/health/azar-hhs-fda.html
steve2470
(37,457 posts)secondwind
(16,903 posts)I wouldnt be a bit surprised. Follow the money. Always.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)PSPS
(13,620 posts)Barr (trump's ring-kissing proxy) has now insinuated himself as the sole decider of whether or not a career prosecutor can file any charges. In other words, trump decides who does or doesn't get prosecuted for their crimes. Now we learn that trump, through his ring-kissing proxy Azar, is deciding what the FDA can and can't do or approve.
oasis
(49,426 posts)Riiiiight.
kimbutgar
(21,220 posts)Grokenstein
(5,727 posts)applegrove
(118,832 posts)Alert: 12 hour rule
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