What This Means for You
- Dental Care: The Indian Health Service will phase out mercury-containing dental fillings by 2027 and shift to mercury-free materials.
- Food Safety: The FDA has launched a formal review of the preservative BHA and is considering changes to long-standing chemical oversight policies.
- Health Technology and Leadership: HHS announced expanded health data and AI initiatives aimed at lowering administrative costs, along with leadership changes at the department.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mercury-based dental fillings will be phased out in federal tribal health facilities, a decades-old food preservative is under new federal safety review, and the Department of Health and Human Services is expanding technology-driven health initiatives while reshaping its leadership team.
The announcements, made between February 9 and February 12, reflect policy changes affecting dental care in tribal communities, food chemical oversight, electronic health data exchange, and departmental management.
Indian Health Service to End Use of Mercury Dental Amalgam
Beginning in 2027, the Indian Health Service will eliminate the use of mercury-containing dental amalgam across its facilities and affiliated tribal dental programs.
Dental amalgam — a filling material composed in part of mercury combined with silver, copper, and tin — has been used for decades because of its strength, durability, and affordability, particularly for multi-surface restorations in molars and premolars. However, concerns about environmental mercury exposure and potential health effects have prompted reevaluation of its continued use.
The transition aligns with guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has recommended limiting mercury exposure in certain populations due to the potential for accumulation in the body.
High-risk groups identified by the FDA include pregnant women and developing fetuses; women planning pregnancy; nursing mothers and newborns; children under age six; individuals with neurological conditions; people with impaired kidney function; and individuals with mercury or metal sensitivities.
The Indian Health Service said it has reduced amalgam use since 2007, particularly among pregnant women and young children. Updated policies will eliminate amalgam restorations entirely and expand the use of composite and alternative materials. The agency also plans to invest in clinical training and infrastructure to support the transition and increase prevention efforts to reduce the need for restorative dental care.
FDA Reassesses BHA Food Preservative
On February 10, the Food and Drug Administration launched a comprehensive reassessment of butylated hydroxyanisole, known as BHA, a synthetic preservative used to prevent spoilage in fats and oils.
BHA has been listed as “Generally Recognized as Safe,” or GRAS, since 1958 — a regulatory designation allowing certain substances to be used in food without premarket approval if qualified experts deem them safe under intended conditions of use. It was formally approved as a food additive in 1961.
The reassessment will determine whether BHA remains safe under current conditions of use, including in food and food-contact materials. The FDA issued a Request for Information seeking updated data on BHA’s safety and usage. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/food/food-chemical-safety/list-select-chemicals-food-supply-under-fda-review.
The National Toxicology Program has classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on animal studies. Health advocates have urged the agency to revisit its status in light of newer research and public concerns.
The FDA said the review is part of a broader initiative launched in May 2025 to strengthen oversight of chemicals already present in the food supply. The agency also stated it intends to propose regulatory changes addressing what has been described as the “GRAS loophole,” which allows manufacturers to independently determine a substance is safe without notifying the FDA.
Health Data and AI Expansion
On February 11, HHS, through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, reported progress on initiatives aimed at improving health data exchange and reducing administrative costs.
A central focus is expanding the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement, known as TEFCA, a nationwide network designed to enable secure exchange of electronic health records. According to HHS, nearly 500 million health records have now been exchanged through TEFCA, compared to roughly 10 million in January 2025.
The department also announced enforcement steps targeting “information blocking,” a practice in which health IT developers or providers allegedly restrict access to electronic health information in ways inconsistent with federal certification requirements. Under 45 CFR 170.580, the agency has initiated oversight actions involving potential non-conformity with certification standards.
In addition, HHS cited projected administrative savings of more than $19.2 billion over the next decade tied to electronic prior authorization and real-time prescription benefit tools adopted through recent health IT rulemaking. These tools allow providers to electronically process insurance approvals and view prescription coverage and cost information during clinical decision-making.
HHS also highlighted efforts to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in clinical care, including requests for public input on AI use cases and interoperability of diagnostic imaging systems.
Leadership Changes at HHS
On February 12, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced management changes within the department.
Chris Klomp will become Chief Counselor at HHS and oversee department operations. Kyle Diamantas and Grace Graham were named Senior Counselors for the Food and Drug Administration, and John Brooks was named Senior Counselor for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Each will continue serving in their current roles while taking on expanded responsibilities within the Secretary’s office.
HHS officials said the leadership adjustments are intended to accelerate implementation of administration healthcare priorities.
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