HHS official involved in Tom Price travel scandal resigns: 6 things to know

Kelly Gooch -

John Bardis, assistant secretary for administration at HHS, is leaving his post, according to a Politico report.

Here are six things to know.

1. HHS confirmed to Politico Mr. Bardis is resigning, effective April 6.

2. Former HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, named Mr. Bardis to his post in March 2017.

3. Dr. Price resigned in September 2017 amid a scandal over flying on taxpayer-funded charter aircrafts. Mr. Bardis approved Dr. Price's private jet flights, and his office has been the focus of an investigation by HHS' Office of Inspector General into whether federal rules were followed regarding the travel, according to the report. The OIG expects to release its report on the investigation later this year.

4. HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan said in a statement to Politico Mr. Bardis was "a truly transformative leader, and HHS has benefited greatly from his dedicated work over the past year."

5. Mr. Bardis did not give reasons for his departure in his own statement to the publication, but did express gratitude for the opportunity to serve as assistant secretary for administration.

6. Mr. Bardis' deputy, Jon Cordova, is in line to take Mr. Bardis' position, reports Politico. Mr. Cordova was placed on administrative leave in February following a CNN report revealing some of his past conspiracy theories on social media. He has since returned to the agency.

 

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