The current members of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) may be on borrowed time amid news reports that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, is considering removing them.

Kennedy reportedly believes the USPSTF focuses too much on social justice, equity, and gender issues, according to news reports. In July, he abruptly canceled its previously scheduled meeting without explanation.

“No final decision has been made on how the USPSTF can better support HHS’ mandate to Make America Healthy Again,” an HHS spokeswoman said in an emailed statement.

Here’s what you need to know about the task force.

1. What Does the USPSTF Do?

The independent task force was created in 1984 to recommend evidence-based preventive services for Americans, including scree

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