Evidence-Free Policymaking: HHS SUNSET Rule Repeal

Welcome to The Bridge Policy Download, produced by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. 

James Broughel discusses the US Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) proposed rule to rescind the Securing Updated and Necessary Statutory Evaluations Timely (SUNSET) rule finalized in January of 2021. The SUNSET rule attaches sunset provisions—i.e., expiration dates—to HHS regulations such that if HHS does not conduct assessments and reviews of regulations on a timely basis, then those regulations expire. Broughel explains the purpose of the SUNSET rule, lists his concerns with the proposed repeal, and then suggests alternative ways agencies can conduct retrospective analysis of regulations.

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