Scientific Integrity at HHS and CDC

Key points

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Scientific Integrity Policy applies to all HHS agencies and operating divisions, including CDC.
  • CDC also has an agency-level scientific integrity policy.
  • The National Center for Health Statistics follows both of these policies, as well as those of the Federal Statistical System.

Scientific integrity

Scientific integrity is the adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science and scientific activities. Inclusivity, transparency, and protection from inappropriate influence are hallmarks of scientific integrity.1

Scientific integrity encompasses, but is not limited to—

  • Research integrity
  • Accurate communication of scientific information
  • Ensuring policymakers have the best available information to make decisions

The 2021 Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking directed all federal agencies to establish scientific integrity policies and practices.

HHS policy

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has adopted a department-wide Scientific Integrity Policy that applies to all HHS employees. This includes both bargaining unit employees where bargaining obligations have been completed and non-bargaining unit employees. The Policy is based on recommendations made by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and Technology Council. The policy went into effect on October 16, 2024.

HHS Scientific Integrity Policy

This policy's purpose is to ensure the integrity of all aspects of HHS scientific activities, including—

  • Proposing, conducting, reviewing, managing, and communicating about science and scientific activities
  • Using the results of science to inform policy and program decision-making
See Also: Scientific Integrity at HHS

CDC Policy

The CDC Scientific Integrity Policy reinforces the agency’s commitment to scientific excellence. The policy supports the scientific activities of CDC’s world-class scientists, researchers, and public health professionals. CDC issued the policy on October 15, 2024.

CDC Scientific Integrity Policy

Science is the foundation of CDC's mission to save lives, protect people, and promote health for all. CDC's world-class scientists, researchers, and health professionals are committed to using the highest possible scientific integrity and quality standards and practices to conduct our critical work. CDC continually works to strengthen its scientific integrity infrastructure to evolve and keep pace with advances in science and technology.

Keep Reading: About Scientific Integrity
Print
Content Source:
  1. A Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice