Establishment Of Breast Cancer Task Force Delayed Until Fall

The Obama administration has missed a deadline to establish a task force for breast cancer-related provisions of the health reform law (PL 111-148), "underscore[ing] the administrative challenges in implementing" such far-reaching legislation, Politico reports. According to Politico, the health reform law establishes 46 new advisory boards, commissions, panels and task forces.

The Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act -- introduced last year by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and later added to the reform law -- says, "Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the [HHS] secretary, acting through the director of the Centers for Disease Control [and Prevention], shall establish an advisory committee to assist in creating and conducting the education campaigns." According to Politico, sources close to the situation say that HHS has not selected members for the task force and that it would not be in place until this fall (Kliff, Politico, 5/28).

The EARLY Act calls for the creation of a national education campaign to teach women ages 15 through 39 about breast cancer risks, warning signs and prevention (Women's Health Policy Report, 3/24/09).

Wasserman Schultz's press secretary, Jonathan Beeton, said the lawmaker is satisfied with CDC's progress. Wasserman Schultz "was assured" during a meeting with CDC officials last week "that the selection of members of the advisory committee is well under way and that it is a priority for them," Beeton added.

In a statement, CDC said it is "currently talking with stakeholders, researchers and policymakers to ensure a broad, representative group of individuals and organizations to serve in an advisory capacity to CDC to assist in the implementation of the EARLY Act." The statement added that CDC expects to hold the task force's first meeting in the fall and "will have ongoing interactions and input from individuals and organizations before the first meeting to address issues in preparation for the meeting" (Politico, 5/28).


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