Health Equity Policy Tracker

Monitoring and translating policies that impact health equity.

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In Force

DHS Public Statement - DHS Reinstates Migrant Protection Protocols, Allowing Officials to Applicants to Neighboring Countries

Department of Homeland Security
Last Updated
July 15, 2025
Date Enacted
January 21, 2025
Policy Type
Agency Directive
Agency Directive

Policy Type: Agency Directive

An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.

This is a reinstatement of the Migrant Protection Protocols that were originally instituted in January 2019 but later rescinded in 2021. It is more commonly referred to as the "Remain in Mexico" program, which kept asylum applicants in Mexico before a formal court hearing, which could be weeks or months away.

Justice System
In Force

EO 14242: Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
July 15, 2025
Date Enacted
March 20, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This Executive Order directs the Secretary of Education to close the U.S. Department of Education - a Department's whose mission is to "promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access." EO1424 also threatens to withhold federal funds from schools that engage in activities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion or provides support for transgender students.

Education
In Force

EO 14185 - Restoring America’s Fighting Force

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
July 15, 2025
Date Enacted
January 27, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This Executive Order directs the elimination all diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and programs within the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard. It also instructs the Secretary of Defense to conduct an internal review and write a report . It also attempts to limit the speech and educational freedom of DOD staff, educators, instructors, contractors and members from the Armed Forces by prohibiting debate on topics the Administration deems "un-American."

Justice System
In Force

EO 14155: Withdrawing the United States From the World Health Organization

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
July 15, 2025
Date Enacted
January 20, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This Executive Order announces the US intends to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). While the Trump administration previously issued a withdrawal notification in July 2020, President Biden rescinded that decision upon taking office. EO 14155 now directs a cessation of US funding, support, and resources to the WHO, the reassignment of government employees working with the WHO, and the development of public health safeguards as necessary. Additionally, it calls for a review and replacement of the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy and requires identifying credible international partners to take over roles formerly fulfilled by the WHO.

Public Health
Research and Data
In Force

Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
June 30, 2025
Date Enacted
March 27, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

EO 14253 seeks to remove what this Administration terms “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” from historical settings, primary national parks and the Smithsonian museums and suggests that including including historical figures or narratives on racism, sexism and /or being transgender perpetuates division among Americans while falsely characterizing American history and principles.

Justice System
Temporarily Blocked

Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Program

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
June 30, 2025
Date Enacted
March 27, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

Executive Order 14251 stripped the collective bargaining rights away from many federal employees who were determined by the current administration to work positions of national security. Affected agencies include the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a result of this executive order, employees in these identified agencies lost the federal protection to organize, collectively bargain, and participate in union activities.

Public Health
In Force

Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
June 30, 2025
Date Enacted
March 27, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program was created by Congress to encourage Americans to enter the public service sector by offering student loan forgiveness after qualifying service. This EO directs the Secretary of Education to propose updates to the federal regulations governing PSLF to restrict organizations - and therefore the employees - that are eligible for loan forgiveness. While at face value expanding the ineligibility of PSLF to criteria such as terrorism and child abuse appears rational, the broad EO purposes uses broad terminology and phrasing which could allow for unjust and discriminatory application of the EO such as denying eligibility to employees at organizations serving LGBTQI+ youth or mixed immigrant status households.

Cash or Economic Assistance
In Force

Eliminating Internal Discriminatory Practices

Department of Justice
Last Updated
June 30, 2025
Date Enacted
February 5, 2025
Policy Type
Agency Directive
Agency Directive

Policy Type: Agency Directive

An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.

In this memo the U.S. Attorney General directs the agency to report to the Attorney General all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) and environmental justice programs and positions at the U.S. Department of Justice as well as any contractor, vendor, grant or expenditure that worked in this area. The memo directs the agency to take all legal steps to end reference to DEI, DEIA and Environmental Justice in their programs and trainings.

Justice System
In Force

Enforcing the Hyde Amendment

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
June 23, 2025
Date Enacted
January 24, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

Executive Order 14182 reinforces the Hyde Amendment and discriminatory federal restrictions to abortion access. The Hyde Amendment was originally included in the 1976 annual congressional appropriations bill and bars use of federal funds for elective abortion care in the federally funded insurance programs of Medicaid, Medicare and the Children's Insurance Program known as CHIP. This executive order directs federal agencies to strictly enforce the Hyde Amendment across all federally funded programs, significantly shaping how reproductive healthcare is accessed and delivered under federal funding streams. The Executive Order specifically revokes two Biden-era policies protecting access to reproductive healthcare services, that were put in place after the Supreme Court's decision to eliminate the rights established in Roe v. Wade.

Public Health
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Healthcare Coverage
In Force

Designating English as the Official Language of the United States

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
June 23, 2025
Date Enacted
March 1, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

Executive Order 14224 designates English as the official language of the United States. The order revokes EO 13166 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/08/16/00-20938/improving-access-to-services-for-persons-with-limited-english-proficiency), which required federal agencies to develop and implement plans to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency can access federal programs and services by issuing language access guidance for entities that receive federal funding. It does not require or direct any changes in services provided by any federal agency, and agencies are “not required to amend, remove, or otherwise stop production of documents, products, or other services prepared or offered in languages other than English.” It does not prohibit agencies from continuing to offer services in languages other than English.

Public Health
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Justice System
In Force

Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
June 23, 2025
Date Enacted
January 20, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

Executive Order 14186 seeks to define and federally recognize only two distinct biological categories of sex in the United States - male and female, reducing definitions of gender to biological binaries. The EO directs federal agencies to take specific actions, including removing federal statements and resources related to LGBTQ and gender expansive communities, requiring federal government-issued identification documents to align with sex-assigned-at-birth, banning the use of federal funds for gender-affirming care for justice-involved individuals, mandating that detainment center placement align with sex-assigned-at-birth, and enforcing these definitions across federal agencies.

Research and Data
Housing
Healthcare Coverage
In Force

"CMS Refocuses on its Core Mission and Preserving the State-Federal Medicaid Partnership"

Department of Health and Human Services
Last Updated
June 2, 2025
Date Enacted
April 10, 2025
Policy Type
Agency Directive
Agency Directive

Policy Type: Agency Directive

An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.

The Medicaid program is jointly funded by federal and state governments. For many years, states have relied on Section 1115 waiver authority to support state-based demonstration projects aimed at addressing social determinants of health. However, in a letter issued on April 10, CMS notified states that it will no longer approve new, or extend existing, state-based demonstration projects that use federal matching funds to support programs that address Medicaid recepients social needs as a strategy to improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs.

Healthcare Coverage
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Withdrawn

Cancellation of Section 4 Grants

Department of Housing and Urban Development
Last Updated
May 30, 2025
Date Enacted
February 28, 2025
Policy Type
Agency Directive
Agency Directive

Policy Type: Agency Directive

An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.

This action terminates contracts and grants for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 4 program, also known as the Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program. Section 4 provides funding to Community Development Corporations and Community Housing Development Organizations to support affordable housing initiatives and community development projects that directly benefit low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

Housing
Social Safety Net
In Force

DOT implementation of Executive Orders Addressing Energy, Climate Change, Diversity, and Gender

Department of Transportation
Last Updated
May 30, 2025
Date Enacted
January 29, 2025
Policy Type
Memo
Memo

Policy Type: Memo

A written policy statement issued by a government agency or executive official that provides guidance, clarification, or direction on implementing laws or policies. Memos do not have the force of law but can influence policy interpretation and enforcement.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies, policymakers, and sometimes regulated industries. Memos can shape how agencies enforce laws, impacting businesses, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Who Is Not Impacted: Memos do not create binding legal requirements for the general public, though they can influence enforcement priorities that indirectly affect individuals and organizations.

This action states that U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) must adhere to a heightened requirement of cost/benefit analysis, complicating the consideration of social justice, equity or environmental impacts. Projects will be prioritized if they support transportation for families, with preference to areas with marriage and birth rates higher than the national average. Projects will be deprioritized for communities that have vaccine mandates or mask mandates in place or that – in the opinion of federal administration - do comply with immigration enforcement.

Climate
Transportation
In Force

"Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation Quality and Safety Special Alert Memo"

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
May 30, 2025
Date Enacted
March 5, 2025
Policy Type
Memo
Memo

Policy Type: Memo

A written policy statement issued by a government agency or executive official that provides guidance, clarification, or direction on implementing laws or policies. Memos do not have the force of law but can influence policy interpretation and enforcement.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies, policymakers, and sometimes regulated industries. Memos can shape how agencies enforce laws, impacting businesses, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Who Is Not Impacted: Memos do not create binding legal requirements for the general public, though they can influence enforcement priorities that indirectly affect individuals and organizations.

CMS issued a "Quality and Safety Special Alert Memo" to hospitals and other providers, characterizing medically appropriate gender-affirming care for children and adolescents — which the memo refers to as “chemical and surgical mutilation” — as dangerous and lacking scientific support. While the memo does not mandate any immediate action, it signals that CMS may consider future measures to restrict access to gender-affirming care. Additionally, the memo includes misrepresentations of data on transgender identity and references an openly anti-transgender organization actively working to limit access to this type of care.

Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
In Force

Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
May 30, 2025
Date Enacted
February 19, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This executive order directs the heads of federal departments and agencies to take a number of actions to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not go to support persons who lack a legal immigration status. These include (1) identifying federally funded programs that permit undocumented immigrants to obtain any cash or no-cash benefit, (2) send funds to any jurisdiction where sanctuary policies are in place, and (3) enhance eligibility verification systems so they exclude undocumented immigrants.

Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Healthcare Coverage
Temporarily Blocked

Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
May 30, 2025
Date Enacted
March 25, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This executive order attempts to encumber voter registration processes. On its face, it seeks to prohibit foreign nationals from voting in federal elections and directs a nationwide mail ballot receipt deadline. It orders the Election Assistance Commission to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in its national mail voter registration form and directs agencies to exchange immigration information for state-level prosecution of noncitizens unlawfully registered to vote.

Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
In Force

EO 14201 - Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
May 30, 2025
Date Enacted
February 5, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This order seeks to rescind all federal funding to educational programs that permit individuals assigned male at birth to participate in women's sports. The Secretary of Education and Attorney General are directed to "protect all-female athletic opportunities" under Title IX. Federal agencies have reviewed grants to educational programs and have attempted to rescind funding from institutions that have not complied with this order. The order has been challenged multiple times by students, educational institutions, and city and state governments.

Education
Temporarily Blocked

EO 14187 - Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
May 30, 2025
Date Enacted
January 28, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This order provides a definition of “chemical and surgical mutilation” that is intended to encompass all forms of health care that is commonly referred to as gender-affirming care for an individual under 19. It directs specific actions to limit healthcare, including stopping insurance support, reviewing policies, and requiring this policy for all federally funded organizations.

Healthcare Coverage
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Temporarily Blocked

Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates

Department of Health and Human Services
Last Updated
May 30, 2025
Date Enacted
February 7, 2025
Policy Type
Agency Directive
Agency Directive

Policy Type: Agency Directive

An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.

This action mandates that all new grants issued by the National Institutes of Health, as well as existing grants with costs incurred from February 10, 2025, onward, will be subject to a 15 percent cap on indirect cost rates. NIH will no longer negotiate these rates to account for regional or organizational variations.

Education
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Public Health
Introduced

HHS Announces Transformation to Make America Healthy Again

Department of Health and Human Services
Last Updated
April 15, 2025
Date Enacted
March 27, 2025
Policy Type
Agency Directive
Agency Directive

Policy Type: Agency Directive

An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.

HHS announced a significant workforce reduction and major organizational restructuring: Termination of an additional 10,000 full-time employees (down to 62,000 from 82,000 in January 2025), a consolidation of its 28 divisions into 15, and its regional offices from 10 to 5, and a new Administration for Healthy America (AHA).

Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Food & Nutrition
Healthcare Coverage
Cash or Economic Assistance
Public Health
In Force

Sanctuary Jurisdiction Directives

Department of Justice
Last Updated
April 15, 2025
Date Enacted
February 5, 2025
Policy Type
Agency Directive
Agency Directive

Policy Type: Agency Directive

An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.

This action directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to enforce federal immigration laws by restricting funding to jurisdictions and organizations that support or provide services to removable immigrants. It mandates a review of federal grants and contracts to ensure compliance with immigration laws and requires all DOJ components to stop funding to non-governmental organizations that aid removable noncitizens. Additionally, the memorandum calls for legal action against state and local jurisdictions that obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
In Force

"Declaring A National Emergency At The Southern Border Of The United States"

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
March 27, 2025
Date Enacted
January 20, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This executive order declares that a national emergency exists at the U.S. southern border and directs military personnel and resources to support the U.S. government’s response to the emergency. It directs the building of physical barriers, largely continuing the immigration policies of the first Trump administration.

No items found.
In Force

"Unleashing American Energy" (EO 14154)

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
March 27, 2025
Date Enacted
January 20, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This wide-ranging executive order includes actions to promote fossil fuel energy expansion and dismantle NEPA regulations, and mandates that all agencies immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that are related to climate change, infrastructure improvement, and public health protection.

Housing
Transportation
Climate
Public Health
In Force

EO 14151 - Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing

Executive Office of the President - White House Office
Last Updated
March 27, 2025
Date Enacted
January 20, 2025
Policy Type
Executive Order
Executive Order

Policy Type: Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.

Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.

This executive order mandates the termination of programs, policies, and positions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA), and environmental justice, by March 20, 2025. The order also calls for an end to “equity-related” grants and contracts, and performance requirements for employees, contractors, or grantees.

Research and Data
Housing
Food & Nutrition
Transportation
Healthcare Coverage
In Force

Rescission of Guidance on Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs), CMCS Center Informational Bulletin

Department of Health and Human Services
Last Updated
March 27, 2025
Date Enacted
March 4, 2025
Policy Type
Guidance
Guidance

Policy Type: Guidance

Non-binding advice and explanations issued by agencies about laws, regulations, and procedures, providing clarity and guidance to the public and regulated entities. It helps inform the public about how regulations are interpreted and implemented, without having the force of law.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by guidance, though these policies may indirectly influence their applications for funding or enforcement practices that affect them.

CMS rescinded bulletins on health-related social needs, affecting Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) services and supports, such as housing and nutrition interventions. Eighteen states have approved section 1115 waivers to address these needs under the Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) framework - this framework was also rescinded but the approvals are still valid.

Food & Nutrition
Housing
In Force

Policy on Adhering to the Text of the Administrative Procedure Act

Department of Health and Human Services
Last Updated
March 27, 2025
Date Enacted
March 3, 2025
Policy Type
Policy Statement
Policy Statement

Policy Type: Policy Statement

This action rescinds away an HHS policy that has been in place for more than 50 years regarding public participation in certain kinds of HHS rulemaking, referred to as the Richardson Waiver.

No items found.
In Force

"Ending Illegal DEI and DEIA Discrimination and Preferences"

Department of Justice
Last Updated
March 27, 2025
Date Enacted
February 5, 2025
Policy Type
Agency Directive
Agency Directive

Policy Type: Agency Directive

An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.

This action states that the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division will investigate, eliminate, and penalize illegal DEI and DEIA preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities in the private sector and in educational institutions that receive federal funds.

Education
In Force

HHS’ Civil Rights Office Acts Swiftly to Combat Anti-Semitism

Department of Health and Human Services
Last Updated
March 26, 2025
Date Enacted
February 3, 2025
Policy Type
Memo
Memo

Policy Type: Memo

A written policy statement issued by a government agency or executive official that provides guidance, clarification, or direction on implementing laws or policies. Memos do not have the force of law but can influence policy interpretation and enforcement.

Who It Impacts: Federal agencies, policymakers, and sometimes regulated industries. Memos can shape how agencies enforce laws, impacting businesses, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Who Is Not Impacted: Memos do not create binding legal requirements for the general public, though they can influence enforcement priorities that indirectly affect individuals and organizations.

This action described the initiation of compliance reviews for four medical schools following reports of pro-Palestinian activism during 2024 commencement ceremonies. The investigations will examine whether the medical schools complied with their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557.

Education
In Force

Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas

Department of Homeland Security
Last Updated
March 24, 2025
Date Enacted
January 20, 2025
Policy Type
Agency Directive
Agency Directive

Policy Type: Agency Directive

An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.

Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.

Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.

This directive rescinds the Biden Administration’s guidelines for ICE and CBP enforcement actions that “thwart law enforcement in or near so-called ‘sensitive’ areas.” Essentially, this ends a Biden-era policy that protected certain areas—such as churches, school, and hospitals—from immigration enforcement, replacing it with an unreleased directive that gives ICE agents unbridled power to take enforcement actions in any of these spaces using so-called “common sense.”

Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
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