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Why the HHS firings could face legal challenges

April 8, 2025
HHS employees stand in line to enter the Mary E. Switzer Memorial Building on April 2 in Washington, the day after massive agency layoffs began.
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STAT+ | HHS firings could face legal challenges over inaccuracies, process used to make cuts

With a July deadline for appeals, employment lawyers look at three key issues: status of RIF'd workers, how they were chosen, and what appeals are possible.

By Isabella Cueto


STAT+ | Republicans are proud of creating Medicare Advantage. Now some are urging reform amid runaway costs

Discontent with Medicare Advantage is notable in the GOP's Doctors Caucus, who criticize insurers for manipulating the system to boost profits

By Casey Ross, Tara Bannow, Bob Herman, and Lizzy Lawrence


Opinion: Personal choice has been weaponized to undermine public health

How did we get to this place where public health is the enemy, that opting out is strength?

By MeiLan Han



Brandon Bell/Getty Images

STAT+ | As more patients get automated test results, researchers seek ways to calm their nerves

Vanderbilt University researchers tracked how 290,000 patients viewed test results online, probing connection between anxiety and repeated page refreshing.

By Katie Palmer


STAT+ | Federal commission calls for $15 billion in new biotech funding to counter China's rise

The commission doesn't have the power to authorize any changes but can make recommendations and advise members of Congress. 

By Allison DeAngelis


Unique pain research office eliminated in HHS purge

Pain is the most costly chronic health problem in the U.S. In latest RIFs at NIH, an entire division devoted to pain research was closed down.

By Lev Facher


Adobe

Opinion: The Trump administration should rescind the NIH 'access planning' rule

The rule requiring anyone seeking to license some NIH patents to explain how the product will be available to underserved groups is noble but misguided.

By Jon Soderstrom


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