RFK Jr. Begins Recruitment for New USPSTF Members: What it Means for Preventive Care Policy

May 11, 2026

  • RFK Jr. has begun a sweeping recruitment effort to replace and potentially restructure the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, raising concerns from medical groups about preserving its independence and evidence based approach.  

  • The overhaul could significantly influence future preventive care guidelines and insurance coverage, as new members—now being vetted—will shape recommendations affecting millions of patients; stakeholders are watching closely as changes may occur soon.  

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) – an independent advisory body whose recommendations determine which preventive services insurers must cover without cost sharing – is undergoing a major transition as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initiates a recruitment effort to bring in new members. This move follows more than a year of inactivity for the task force and comes amid broader discussions about the future of federal preventive care recommendations.  

A Significant Overhaul Underway 

Reports indicate that RFK Jr. intends to completely revamp the USPSTF, with plans to appoint new members and potentially restructure the task force’s composition and processes. Kennedy has confirmed to lawmakers his intention to move forward with an overhaul, raising concerns among public health advocates about the implications for evidence-based recommendations produced by the task force.   

Why the Changes Matter 

For more than 40 years, the USPSTF has played a central role in shaping preventive care in the U.S. Its recommendations directly influence insurance coverage for screenings and other preventive health services such as mental health assessments. Any shift in membership or methodology could have far-reaching effects on access and clinical practice. Some stakeholders have also raised questions about how the selection of new experts will be handled and whether the process will preserve the task force’s longstanding reputation for independence and scientific rigor.   

Concerns from the Medical Community 

The prospect of replacing current USPSTF members has prompted strong reactions from major organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) – who has expressed “deep concern” about removing existing task force members en masse. ASCP is similarly concerned and hopes the task force’s longstanding nonpartisan role and reliance on scientific evidence are upheld. Additionally, stakeholders and experts are concerned about potential political influence and the loss of continuity in preventive care recommendations.   

What’s Next 

Federal officials are already vetting candidates, and changes could occur “imminently.” The new task force is expected to align more closely with the administration’s health policy priorities, though details around selection criteria and timing are lacking.   

The selection process typically considers candidates’ clinical expertise, research background, and experience applying evidence to population‑level health decisions. Once appointed, new members will help shape recommendations that affect millions of patients and guide coverage decisions under federal law.  

As recruitment continues, healthcare stakeholders – including ASCP – will be monitoring closely. The composition of the USPSTF will shape preventive healthcare policy for years to come, influencing clinical guidelines, insurance coverage, and even public health outcomes.  

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