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# Many Positions at FDA Gain Exemption to Hiring Freeze
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/many-positions-at-fda-gain-exemption-to-hiring-freeze/
- Published: 2017-02-10T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T22:05:53.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5137958

HHS has issued further guidance on how FDA can meet exemptions for hiring critical employees to fulfill its mission and meet requirements under the law. A department [memo](http://raps.org/uploadedFiles/Site%5FSetup/Regulatory%5FFocus/News/2017/02/2017%20HHS%20Hiring%20Freeze%20Exemptions%20-%20signed%20%28002%29.pdf?ref=fdaweb.com) provides a list of FDA-related positions — such as consumer safety officer, medical officer, pharmacologist, chemists, engineers, etc. — that are exempt from a hiring freeze ordered by the Trump Administration ([see earlier story](https://www.fdaweb.com/omb-guidance-on-hiring-freeze-gives-fda-wiggle-room/)). Additionally, the memo provides certain exemptions for adding advisory committee panel members (special government employees). During the hiring freeze, panel member appointments can be considered if the advisory committee is mandated and not discretionary, HHS says.