Ron Wyden Questions HHS Nominee on Measles Response and Child Welfare

Measles Epidemic Response

• 🎯 Senator Wyden questioned the HHS nominee on their agreement with Secretary Kennedy's approach to the measles epidemic, noting a 30-year high in cases.
• ✅ The nominee confirmed agreement with the MMR vaccine as the most effective prevention method, while also detailing a specific case response in Idaho.

Residential Treatment Facilities Oversight

• 🏠 The discussion shifted to residential treatment facilities and concerns raised in the "Warehouses of Neglect" report regarding restraints, seclusion, and unqualified staff.
• 💡 The nominee expressed alignment with Senator Wyden's concerns and highlighted efforts in Idaho to reduce congregate care by 35% and implement "right touch regulation."
• 🔍 To address concerns about children getting hurt, the nominee stated that in Idaho, they increased inspections to two per year, including one unannounced inspection, and randomized inspectors.

Protection for LGBTQ Youth

• 🏳️‍🌈 Senator Wyden raised documented abuses against LGBTQ young people in facilities, including isolation, verbal abuse, and withheld privileges.
• 💖 The nominee stated their operating principle is to do what is in the best interest of the child, ensuring all children are treated with respect, dignity, and protected from harm, and offered to review specific cases.