243. Jeff Davis | Reorganization of HHS, Health and Human Services organization243. Jeff Davis | Reorganization of HHS, Health and Human Services organization
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
There has been a complete reorganization of the Health and Human Services Department. What has remained, what has been DOGED? What happened to SAMHSA, CDC, NIDA, FDA and key agencies that are important to the prevention, treatment, and recovery of drugs. What about payment for addiction services and medical care? How does all that affect the average American or organization that deal with drug issues. To learn more about the reorganization of HHS I reached out to Jeffrey Davis. Jeffrey Davis is a skilled healthcare executive with substantial knowledge of regulatory advocacy and healthcare policies. Jeffrey’s work focuses on issues tied to provider payment and reimbursement as well as quality reporting. He also has significant experience with recent regulatory developments such as the implementation of surprise billing rules. Jeffrey is the primary author of Regs & Eggs, M+’s weekly regulatory affairs blog. To browse blog entries and subscribe to updates, click here. Prior to joining McDermott+, Jeffrey served as the director of regulatory and external affairs at the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). In that role, Jeffrey managed ACEP’s formal response to federal policies and worked with federal agencies and other stakeholders to help advance ACEP’s federal affairs agenda. Jeffrey also spent eight years working with the US Department of Health and Human Services, where he advised senior officials on major budgetary and policy considerations within Medicare and prepared detailed analyses of Medicare regulations and legislation. *** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of the United States Government or any of its agencies. The content was recorded prior to the speaker's current federal service and is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. No agency endorsement or approval should be inferred.
55:00•18 Aug 2025
Revamping Health Services: Impacts and Insights
Episode Overview
- Major reorganization of HHS under RFK.
- Potential impacts on drug prevention and treatment services.
- Concerns about healthcare access and payment reforms.
- Legal challenges affecting HHS restructuring.
- Advice on navigating healthcare policy changes.
“Change is difficult in any organization and situation. Let the dust settle and it's probably going to work out.”
In a recent episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, host Dr. Roneet Lev delves into the comprehensive reorganization of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, spearheaded by the Trump administration under Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. The podcast provides a platform for national experts to discuss the far-reaching impacts of these changes, especially in relation to drug prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Dr.
Lev, an experienced emergency and addiction doctor, brings her expertise to the forefront, discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by the restructuring. Guest Jeff Davis, a seasoned healthcare executive, offers insights into the implications of the HHS overhaul. He highlights the concerns within the medical community regarding healthcare access and the potential impact on core agencies like SAMHSA, CDC, NIDA, and FDA, which play pivotal roles in drug-related health services.
Davis emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding Medicare and Medicaid payment reforms and the anxiety stemming from proposed budget cuts and restructuring. The episode touches on the legal challenges faced by HHS, with ongoing lawsuits against the proposed changes. Davis elaborates on the complexities of navigating this transitional phase, advising stakeholders to stay informed and patient as the situation unfolds. He reassures listeners that while changes are inevitable, the final outcomes remain uncertain until Congress acts or further decisions are made. Dr.
Lev and Davis discuss the vision of Secretary Kennedy, who aims to tackle chronic disease and promote a healthier America. Despite the potential benefits, the reorganization has sparked fear and confusion, prompting discussions on the efficient payment under Medicare and Medicaid and the need for reforms. Overall, the podcast episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the HHS reorganization, emphasizing the importance of understanding the evolving healthcare landscape and its effects on individuals and organizations dealing with drug issues.
The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to contribute to the movement that unites physical, mental, and addiction health. Listeners are encouraged to visit hightruths.com for more information and to support the Drug Free America Foundation and the International Academy on the Science and Impact of Cannabis (Isaac), both dedicated to addressing substance use and its impacts.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.