ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority To Appoint Commissioned Officers of the Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint commissioned officers of the Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service, with term limits of 6 months (or 2 years for specific training programs), and revokes a 2011 memorandum on the same subject.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 20225

Impact dates

  1. Revoke May 31, 2011 memorandum on same subject

Key directives

  • Delegate presidential appointment authority under PHS Act section 203 to Secretary of HHS
  • Limit commissions to 6 months except specified programs (2 years maximum)
  • Prohibit re-delegation of this authority
  • Revoke May 31, 2011 memorandum on same subject
  • Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of appointment authority takes effect
  • 2011 memorandum revoked
  • Publication in Federal Register authorized

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Ongoing HHS management of Ready Reserve Corps appointments within delegated limits

Risks & tensions

  • Centralizes control by retaining presidential authority for longer-term appointments beyond specified limits
  • Creates administrative tension between HHS flexibility and White House oversight of reserve medical workforce
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority To Appoint Commissioned Officers of the Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service · Executive Orders