House Asks HHS to Keep Public Comment Doors Open on Health Rules

This House Resolution sends a clear message to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): don't reduce opportunities for the public to weigh in on proposed regulations. Specifically, it urges the HHS Secretary to cancel a notice issued on March 3, 2025, which signaled a cutback in public notice and comment periods. The resolution pushes for HHS to stick with the public input procedures that were standard practice as of February 27, 2025.

Your Voice in the Rulebook

Think about how many aspects of healthcare are shaped by HHS rules – everything from drug safety standards to Medicare coverage details and insurance requirements. The process for making these rules usually involves a crucial step rooted in the Administrative Procedure Act: notice and comment. Essentially, HHS proposes a rule, publishes it, and gives the public (that means you, doctors, hospitals, patient groups, insurers) a set window of time to provide feedback before the rule becomes final. This resolution is focused squarely on preserving the length and accessibility of that comment window. It argues that shrinking this opportunity makes it harder for everyday people and experts alike to have their say on regulations that directly impact their health, care, and costs.

Sticking to the Status Quo

The core request here is straightforward: withdraw the March 3rd notice that would change the public input process and keep things as they were just before that date. It's about maintaining the established system for public participation. It’s important to remember this is a "sense of the House" resolution – it expresses the House's strong opinion and recommendation to HHS, but it doesn't legally force the agency to act. It serves as a formal nudge, emphasizing the value placed on public involvement in the federal rulemaking process, particularly for an agency whose decisions touch nearly everyone's lives.