HHS Withdraws Scientific Integrity Policy Federal Register Notice
Hey! Over here! Look at me! Or, then again, well, don't.
After taking extra efforts to get noticed, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has backtracked on itself concerning its scientific integrity policy.
Last week, it appeared that the agency determined that it wasn’t sufficient just to post the policy among other policies and guidance on its website, so HHS also took the step to also publish it in the Nov. 25 Federal Register, essentially to “increase access to and raise awareness of the policy.”
“Ensuring integrity in science throughout the department allows HHS to foster and produce high-quality science, communicate effectively with the public, and base critical policy decisions on trustworthy and rigorous scientific findings,” HHS stated in the notice, adding that the policy will “further strengthen scientific integrity and evidence-based policymaking” agencywide. HHS approved the policy in September, and it became effective on Oct. 16. The policy is also maintained at the agency’s scientific integrity website here. HHS will review the policy in October 2025, and every two years thereafter.
However, in the Dec. 2 Federal Register, HHS withdrew the Federal Register notice stating that it "would like to clarify that the policy does not modify, implement or change the rules referenced in the C.F.R. citations section, i.e.,42 C.F.R. Part 93 and 45 C.F.R. Parts 46 and 73; and is not intended to be guidance about implementing those rules."
Scientific integrity is defined as “the adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science and scientific activities.” Inclusivity, transparency and protection from inappropriate influence are hallmarks of scientific integrity.
The policy generally aims to establish a culture of scientific integrity within HHS and its agencies. HHS grantees, contractors and other supported by HHS financial assistance are not considered covered individuals under the policy, but are strongly encouraged to uphold the principles of scientific integrity described in this policy, particularly those described in the Protecting Scientific Processes, Ensuring the Free Flow of Scientific Information, Protections, and Professional Development sections of the policy. Specific requirements may be incorporated into the terms of their engagement with HHS. In addition, each institution that applies for or receives Public Health Service (PHS) support for biomedical or behavioral research, research training, or activities related to that research or research training must comply with research misconduct provisions at 42 C.F.R. Part 93.
After last week's hoopla, HHS has pulled a maneuver akin to the former Saturday Night Live Emily Litella skit where after she rants on a topic and and is told the topic is actually something else, she looks in the camera and demures "never mind."
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