Tom Price, MD, former secretary of HHS, is seeking approval from the Federal Election Commission to move $1.7 million in campaign funds to his new social welfare nonprofit, according to a report from the Center for Public Integrity, an independent investigative journalism organization.
Former Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota made a similar transfer earlier this year, according to the report. At issue is the legality of those transfers. Campaign finance law bars candidates from using leftover funds for personal benefit, according to the report.
Dr. Price's lawyer, Stefan Passantino, told the Center for Public Integrity the former secretary plans to keep the money in a separate fund that could not be used to pay Dr. Price or his family members, though it could be used for reimbursement expenses.
Bloomberg Government reports that the nonprofit will be focused on healthcare policy and could be used to "revive" Dr. Price's political career. Dr. Price left HHS after a scandal over his use of taxpayer-funded private jets.
More articles on leadership and management:
5 hospital layoffs in July
4 healthcare takeaways from night 1 of the 2nd Democratic debate
White House racing to craft healthcare measures ahead of election