The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not have an Acting Director, Inside Medicine has learned—a seemingly unprecedented and legally significant lapse in leadership. Multiple sources in the agency provided details about the development, and three legal scholars independently confirmed the accuracy of the assessment that Dr. Susan Monarez—who served as Acting Director from January 23 through March 24—could no longer lawfully serve (and, in fact, is not currently serving) in that position. And yet, both the CDC’s website and two separate memos sent to staff last week incorrectly stated that Monarez remains in control of the agency.
Here’s why Dr. Monarez cannot legally continue to serve as Acting Director, and first, why the lack of an agency lead, even temporarily, is a potential hazard to everyday Americans.