Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Health and Human Services
Headline: Establishes Succession Order for Health and Human Services Leadership
What it does: The order directs designated officers in the Department of Health and Human Services to serve as Secretary, in a specified order, when both Secretary and Deputy Secretary cannot serve.
- Designates who will temporarily lead the Department if top two leaders cannot serve.
- Bars officials serving only in an acting role from becoming Secretary under this order.
- Allows the President to choose a different acting Secretary when the law permits.
Summary
This order names who will act as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services if both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary die, resign, or cannot serve. It puts assistant secretaries confirmed by the Senate first, then the department General Counsel, then other Senate-confirmed officers, each by the order they took their oath.
It bars people serving only in an acting role from becoming Secretary under this rule and says the President may pick a different acting Secretary when allowed by the Federal Vacancies Reform Act (the law on temporary appointments). This ensures a clear leadership line during disruptions.
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