FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2025
Contact: ANA-Illinois | info@ana-illinois.org
ANA Illinois Joins State Nurses’ Associations in Calling for Protection of the United States Preventive Services Task Force
ANA-Illinois has joined 15 other state nurses’ associations in expressing serious concern over reports that U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is considering the removal of all current members of the non-partisan United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
These reports come after the abrupt cancellation of the USPSTF’s July meeting and follow a similar removal of members from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices earlier in this administration. While HHS has stated that no final decision has been made regarding the USPSTF, ANA Illinois stands firm in its support for the Task Force and its essential role in protecting public health.
Why the USPSTF Matters
The USPSTF is a cornerstone of evidence-based preventive health in the United States. Comprising independent experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine, the Task Force develops recommendations on clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling, and preventive medications that are grounded in rigorous scientific review.
These recommendations carry significant impact, directly shaping insurance coverage mandates under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and ensuring that millions of Americans can access proven preventive care without the barrier of out-of-pocket costs.
“Regardless of demographic background or political preference, preventive care saves lives and reduces long-term health costs,” said Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, President of the Washington State Nurses Association. “The USPSTF plays a crucial role in guiding these efforts through science, not politics. Any move to dismantle it or replace its members for ideological reasons threatens the health and well-being of communities nationwide.”
ANA Illinois’ Position
The independence of the USPSTF is critical to maintaining public trust in health guidance and ensuring equitable access to preventive services. Political interference in the work of this expert panel risks undermining decades of progress in public health.
ANA-Illinois joins our nursing colleagues nationwide in urging HHS to:
- Preserve the current USPSTF membership
- Safeguard the independence and credibility of the Task Force
- Allow future meetings to proceed without disruption
Call to Action
ANA-Illinois will continue to advocate for evidence-based policy decisions that prioritize the health of patients and communities across our state. We encourage members, stakeholders, and the public to read the full coalition statement and share this information to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the USPSTF.
Read the full statement here: http://www.wsna.org/news/2025/state-nurses-associations-raise-alarm-over-reports-of-potential-dismissal-of-uspstf-members