March 4, 2025 – The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) shares its concern over the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) decision to rescind its policy on public participation in many of its rule-making processes, known as the Richardson Waiver. ACPA strongly believes that professional and patient involvement, as well as feedback, must be included in public health-related policies and regulations, and longstanding public participation has immensely contributed to the rapid improvements in comprehensive cleft and craniofacial care.
This includes the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) at the NIH which ACPA firmly believes must continue to remain an independent institute. ACPA calls on the Department of HHS to reverse this decision and uphold its commitment to transparency and public participation.
