HHS Report Distorts the Science of Healthcare Disparities

Developments

Feb. 11, 2004
HHS Concedes Error in Changing Disparities Report
Following protest by both members of Congress and the scientific community, HHS Secretary Thompson has admitted that the Department was wrong to revise scientific conclusions in the National Healthcare Disparities Report, stating that "there was a mistake made, and it's going to be rectified."[1] The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality -- the division of HHS responsible for drafting the initial report -- has since released the version of the report it had submitted it to the Department for clearance.
- AHRQ Disparities Report
[1] Source: Washington in Brief, Washington Post (Feb. 11, 2004).

Background

The final version of an HHS report on healthcare disparities significantly altered the findings of scientists within HHS. INVESTIGATIVE REPORT Changes to the National Healthcare Disparities Report: A Politics and Science Case Study BACKGROUND Draft HHS summary Final HHS summary MORE Letter to HHS Press Release

In a June 2003 draft report, HHS scientists found that racial and ethnic disparities in health care are “national problems” that are “pervasive in our health care system” and carry a significant “personal and societal price.” After review by political appointees, however, the final version contained none of these conclusions. Released December 23, 2003, the National Healthcare Disparities Report is a case study in the manipulation of science.

On January 13, 2004, the Special Investigations Division of the minority staff of the Government Reform Committee released a report for eight members of Congress comparing the two versions of the report. These members then wrote HHS Secretary Thompson to protest the manipulation of science on healthcare disparities and to request copies of all drafts and comments on the disparities report. The eight included:

- Rep. Henry A. Waxman, ranking member of the Government Reform Committee;
- Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus;
- Rep. Ciro D. Rodriguez, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus;
- Rep. Michael M. Honda, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus;
- Del. Donna M. Christensen, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust;
- Rep. Hilda L. Solis, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Health Task Force;
- Rep. Danny K. Davis, secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus; and
- Rep. Dale E. Kildee, Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.