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FDA chief warns of possible layoffs




Associated Press - September 14, 2007 11:33 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AP) - The head of the Food and Drug Administration has alerted agency's employees that 2,000 of them could get layoff notices as early as next week.

The layoffs would occur if Congress fails to renew user fees for drugs and medical devices.

The FDA's commissioner says he's confident lawmakers will renew the fees that help fund the agency's work. But he wants the employees to know that a consequence of not renewing the fees would be a reduction-in-force notice. The layoffs would take effect 60 days after issuance of such a notice.

The commissioner says FDA and congressional staff are working around the clock to finalize the legislation.

The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicine, the nation's food supply and medical devices.

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