USPSTF Meeting Postponed a Third Time

• HHS has postponed the last 3 USPSTF meetings 

• ASCP is waiting on the final outcome of USPSTF’s update to its cervical cancer screening guidelines 

A third scheduled meeting of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has been postponed as of March 3, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).   

In the past, the Task Force traditionally met three times a year, but the meetings in July and November last year were both cancelled. The USPSTF’s recommendations play a major role in determining access to preventive services such as breast and cervical cancer screenings, because under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover services with grade A or B recommendations at no cost to patients.  

ASCP is waiting for the outcome of the review of cervical cancer screening guidelines (including new self- or patient-collected options) and will be keeping a close eye on the rescheduling of these important Task Force meetings.