from: kaisernetwork.org Daily Reports.
ADMINISTRATION WATCH
Thompson Begins Consolidating HHS Legislative, Communications, Public
Affairs Offices To Improve Dissemination of Health Information
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson has started a "major consolidation" of the
communication, legislative and public affairs offices within HHS in an
attempt to "improve the quality" of health-related information that is
disseminated to the public, the Washington Post reports. There are more
than 50 communications departments under the umbrella of HHS, as most of
the agencies within the agency manage their own communications functions.
HHS had "floated" a plan to consolidate communications offices "months
ago" but then tabled the idea. But after recently being "stung by
criticism" during the anthrax attacks for providing "muddled and
contradictory" information that sometimes "conflict[ed]" with information
from the CDC, HHS last week "began a major push to get the system in
place." The new system, which is being implemented with the help of
Office of Management and Budget and is detailed in 2003 budget papers,
will place all communications staff "under the direct control" of the
Office of the Secretary. It is not yet certain how communications
employees will be impacted by the change, but some public affairs
employees may be moved to other jobs within their agencies. HHS
spokesperson Kevin Keane said, "The goal is somewhat obvious: to create
a more cohesive and efficient structure. Let's figure out what we need
to communicate and let's do it together."
Controlling Information?
Critics of the plan say the move will "impose unprecedented controls"
over the release of information from the agency to the press and to
congressional staff, and they say it is an effort to manage the
administration's "message" and "enhance the appearance of a unified
department." The Post reports that the restructuring will likely "narrow
the range of available sources" for reporters, who will now need a "green
light" from HHS before speaking with experts at the FDA, NIH and other
agencies. An unnamed communications director at NIH said, "The worst
thing is that the people who will be controlling the information flow are
going to be spin doctors instead of medical doctors. You have to suspect
that this is being done when there is no commissioner at FDA and no
director at NIH so (the secretary's office) can get permanent control"
(Weiss, Washington Post, 1/14).
Health Policy As It Happens
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