The FDA has begun rehiring some employees who were previously laid off during a mass reduction of the Department of Health and Human Services. This decision addresses critical staffing shortfalls, particularly in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) divisions that handle public records related to medical devices and tobacco. The original layoffs, part of the HHS plan to cut 20,000 positions, had severely impacted the FDAâs ability to fulfill FOIA requests. The recall of these employees is seen as a necessary move to ensure compliance with government transparency and legal obligations.
The layoffs decimated the workforce that processes FOIA requests across FDA centers overseeing vaccines, drugs, tobacco, medical devices, and food, leading to significant operational disruptions.
Currently, the recall of laid-off employees signifies a critical step towards reinstating the vital functions of the FDA amidst budget cuts and staff reductions.
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