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# OMB Guidance on Hiring Freeze Gives FDA Wiggle Room
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/omb-guidance-on-hiring-freeze-gives-fda-wiggle-room/
- Published: 2017-02-02T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T22:04:35.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5137886

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released guidance on the Trump Administration’s [hiring freeze](https://www.fdaweb.com/house-democrats-seek-clarification-on-fda-hiring-freeze/) that appears to give latitude to agencies, like FDA, to exempt hiring decisions when the hire will help meet public health responsibilities. The [guidance](https://chiefhro.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/m-17-18-federal-civilian-hiring-freeze-guidance.pdf?ref=fdaweb.com) says agency heads should consult with appropriate human resources personnel or agency counsel when “determining what position to exempt from the hiring freeze.” It also requires the agency heads to consult with appropriate OMB personnel on their intent to exempt hiring positions. An HHS official told ***FDA Webview*** that no internal update on the hiring freeze and allowed exemptions was available.