U.S. political transitions every 4-8 years typically bring about a range of changes for many government departments. This includes policy around health and mental health. The transition into a second Trump administration appears to mark a large shake-up in Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rules and functioning.
Rule changes and how they affect mental health practice and policy are largely are uncertain at this point. Effects on mental health issues in a rapidly changing tech boom are also uncertain (e.g., information and privacy concerns).
However, Trump has already made a few large orders at HHS. (Note: as of now these are “orders” and not yet rule changes.) First, Trump has ordered the US to pull out of membership of the World Health Organization (WHO). This move appears due to discontent regarding levels of funding the US provides to WHO compared to other nations.
Other orders at this time include rescinding Biden-era HHS rules for reduced pharmaceutical drug prices. This could affect medications for mental health in addition to physical health. Other orders aim to limit transgender care.
Otherwise, a lot is uncertain for current HHS rules and how it operates. Trump also canceled crucial meetings with agencies funding medical and mental health research. These cancelations leave a great deal of confusion and uncertainty for those working in HHS and for the public at large.
The current leadership structure at HHS further complicates things. The agency does not yet have an active secretary to run it. Confirmation hearings to see whether for RFK Jr. will run the department do not begin in Congress until the very end of the January.
Hearings for RFK Jr.’s confirmation will also be complicated. Recent revelations found he continues to hold financials stake in law firms challenging pharmaceutical companies. He also hold other financial conflicts in health and genetics start-ups. These concerns center around how his position as HHS Secretary would influence these lawsuits and vice versa, as well as HHS rules.
The effects of the current administration change on HHS rules and operations is greatly in question. A few initial changes provide some clues, but really time will tell how this will affect policy for mental health practice and medicine in the US. We will have to stay tuned to see!
