HHS reclassifies 8,000 staff under Schedule F, easing firing rules and raising political pressure

An executive order issued in late June reclassified roughly 8,000 employees of the Department of Health and Human Services. The change moves them into a “Schedule F” category that removes many civil‑service protections and makes termination easier.

The redesignation targets staff who directly shape health policy, including grant reviewers, epidemiologists and senior policy advisers. By altering their employment status, the administration can more readily replace them.

Analysts say the move raises the risk of political interference in public‑health decisions and could destabilize programs that rely on expert guidance. Critics argue it undermines the independence of the workforce that supports federal health initiatives.

The reclassification is part of a broader effort affecting about 8,000 federal workers across agencies, prompting concerns from watchdog groups about the long‑term impact on government effectiveness.