Skip to Main Content

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration could take longer to write regulations and make decisions if the U.S. Supreme Court rules against a long-standing legal doctrine giving agencies extra discretion, food and drug lawyers said Wednesday.

The decades-old so-called Chevron doctrine directs judges to defer to reasonable federal agency interpretations of ambiguous or technically challenging aspects of the law. It’s unpopular with many conservatives, and the Supreme Court, with its conservative lean, recently agreed to take up a case that challenges Chevron deference.

advertisement

The lawsuit does not directly involve the FDA. It’s over a Commerce Department regulation over fishing, but if the high court justices strike the doctrine, it will affect all federal agencies.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

STAT+

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe

STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect

To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.