Infectious Disease Advisor The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remains without a permanent leader.
It has had three different leaders during the current Trump administration and on Wednesday, the White House missed its deadline for nominating a candidate.
Federal law limits someone to serve in an acting role for 210 days in positions that require Senate approval.
For now, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, “will continue to oversee the CDC by performing the delegable duties of the CDC director,” the agency said.
Health officials say the delay comes as the administration tries to find a candidate who aligns with its health goals while also being able to win Senate confirmation.
The leadership gap comes after a challenging year for the CDC.
The agency has had three different leaders since President Donald Trump returned to office. During this time, hundreds of employees have been laid off and some programs have been shut down.