The United States Preventive Services Task Force, a crucial public health panel, has faced repeated postponements under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The panel, which typically convenes three times annually, has not met in person since March 2025. It is responsible for assessing scientific evidence related to tests and medications aimed at preventing widespread health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and H.I.V.

The meetings, essential for guiding medical practices and influencing insurance coverage for millions of Americans, have been stifled by the current administration. The latest delay, scheduled for this month, was conveyed via email last week to those affiliated with the panel, confirmed by Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services. She cited the postponement until late August as due to an ‘unprecedented number of nominations’ requiring additional time for selection and onboarding of new members.

This situation follows a June 2025 Supreme Court ruling that permitted Mr. Kennedy to unilaterally dismiss panel members and override their decisions. Additionally, he has canceled meetings in July, November, and March, and has not appointed replacements for members whose terms have ended. In May, he dismissed the panel’s two chairs.

A notice in the Federal Register seeking nominations for open positions was published in April, with submissions due by May 23. This stated that nomination and application materials were open for public review at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which oversees the task force. However, access to these documents was denied to a New York Times reporter visiting during business hours on June 15, with officials citing the need for redaction, yet remaining unresponsive to inquiries regarding the timelines for availability.

Maggie Astor reports on women’s health and government policy impacts on health for The Times.