Dr. Heidi Overton Nominated to Lead FDA

Why it matters locally: Louisiana's food, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries, along with consumers of these products, will be directly affected by the leadership and regulatory decisions of the new FDA Commissioner. The state's public health initiatives, including vaccination programs, will also fall under the purview of the FDA's national guidance.

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President Trump has selected Dr. Heidi Overton as his nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Overton currently serves as a policy aide within the White House. Upon confirmation, Dr. Overton would assume leadership of an agency comprising 18,000 staff members. The FDA's responsibilities include the study and regulation of food products, pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and tobacco products, among other areas. On August 10, Dr. Overton participated in a press conference where President Trump signed an executive order concerning the childhood vaccination schedule.