Overview

• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has rescinded the Richardson Waiver, a policy allowing public comment on certain HHS rulemaking since 1971.
• The decision exempts regulations involving public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts from the public comment process, citing efficiency and legal flexibility.
• Critics argue the move undermines transparency and accountability, with legal experts predicting potential court challenges to the policy change.
• This shift contrasts with Kennedy's earlier promises of 'radical transparency' at HHS, raising questions about his commitment to open governance.
• The rollback does not eliminate all public comment opportunities, as some processes, like Medicare changes, are still subject to separate legal requirements.