WASHINGTON — Two senators are introducing a bill Friday to rein in conflicts of interest on an influential federal panel that evaluates preventive medical services.
The bill, from Sens. Angus King (I-Maine) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), follows reports that a number of members picked by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could profit from the decisions they make on the panel, known as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It would codify standards for membership on the panel and for avoiding conflicts of interest.
The bill comes after STAT reported that members of the panel hold stock in pharmaceutical and medical device companies and that two of them own private medical practices that could profit should the panel recommend particular types of care. The New York Times reported on the financial investments as well. Federal officials granted all members blanket waivers, allowing them to remain on the panel, though they could still be required to recuse themselves from particular matters. The panel has not met in more than a year.
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Source: www.statnews.com
