Atlanta Journal-Constitution Proposes Solution for CDC Ombuds and Sen. Grassley

Today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to rethink its refusal to make ombuds available for questions from Sen. Charles Grassley of the Senate Finance Committee. The AJC editorial board proposes that CDC's director, Dr. Julie Gerberding, free the ombuds of any concerns that talking with Grassley might jeopardize their mission and Grassley should not expect the ombuds to disclose confidential issues. In addition, Grassley could also make a transcript of the meeting available to CDC employees so there is no question about what was discussed.

In the end, the ombudsman program at the CDC will only be successful if employees see it as independent of Gerberding and willing to address their concerns. A briefing for Grassley should help, not harm, that mission.

(Atlanta Journal-Constitution.)