Individuals and organizations in healthcare, public health, and research should spread the word to qualified experts who would be interested in submitting a nomination to the Task Force.
Overview
The Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality notice is asking for nominations to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent group that helps set recommendations for preventive health care in the United States.
Nominations are due by May 23, 2026, and new members could begin serving as soon as June 2026.
The full Federal Register notice provides details on eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and the responsibilities of Task Force members.
What is USPSTF and Why It Matters
The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. Its role is to rigorously evaluate scientific evidence and issue recommendations on preventive services, including screenings, counseling, and preventive medications.
The Task Force is designed to operate:
- Independent from political and industry pressure
- Using clear, research-based review methods
- Focused on improving public health through prevention and early detection
- With standard but rigorous selection criteria:
- Nominees are expected to have strong clinical and scientific expertise in preventive medicine, demonstrate the ability to evaluate evidence objectively, maintain independence from significant conflicts of interest, and commit substantial time to collaborative, volunteer service.
USPSTF recommendations are widely used to guide how doctors treat patients, and—critically—determine which preventive services must be covered by insurance without cost-sharing under federal law, as well as what public health issues are prioritized.
Implications for Prevention and Public Health
Because the USPSTF evaluates and issues recommendations on preventive services, changes in its composition may shape future guidance across a wide range of health areas. For conditions like HIV, viral hepatitis, and other infectious diseases, USPSTF recommendations have historically played a critical role in informing screening practices and expanding access to preventive services.
Notably, USPSTF “A” and “B” grade recommendations trigger requirements for most private insurance plans to cover these services without cost-sharing, making these determinations especially influential for access to care. Key examples include:
- HIV Screening (Grade A): Routine screening for adolescents and adults helps enable broad, cost-free access to testing, supporting earlier diagnosis and linkage to care.
- Hepatitis C (HCV) Screening (Grade B): One-time screening for adults aged 18–79 expands access to testing and curative treatment, helping reduce long-term liver disease and transmission.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention (Grade A): Coverage of PrEP medications and associated laboratory and clinical services without cost-sharing has been critical to expanding access to this highly effective HIV prevention tool.
Maintaining a transparent, evidence-driven process is critical to ensuring that preventive recommendations continue to reflect the best available science and support positive health outcomes.
