Don’t expect to receive any updates from CMS this week, as a recent HHS memo directed all operating divisions to cease external communications through Feb. 1. The communications blackout is expected to allow President Donald Trump’s new administration to review relevant regulations and approve department messaging.
 
“As the new Administration considers its plan for managing the federal policy and public communications processes, it is important that the President’s appointees and designees have the opportunity to review and approve any regulations, guidance documents and other public documents and communications (including social media),” notes acting HHS secretary Dorothy Fink in the memo, issued Jan. 21. The Presidential appointees will aim to review all relevant materials quickly and return to normal operations as soon as possible, she adds. 
 
HHS departments — including CMS, the CDC, the FDA, the Office for Civil Rights and the Office of Inspector General — will be unable to release guidance, regulations or other documents such as notices, press releases or grant announcements until the pause is lifted. They must also refrain from posting on social media and updating their websites.