Surgeon General Murthy's exit creates uncertainty over opioid addiction fight

Modern Healthcare:  The unexpected resignation last week of U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy could signal a setback on recent progress to combat the opioid crisis, experts say. Murthy was asked to step down by President Donald Trump late Friday after a little over two years in the role. Appointed during the Obama administration, Murthy spent a bulk of his time as surgeon general advocating for greater awareness and more aggressive tactics to decrease opioid prescribing nationwide. Rear Adm. Sylvia Trent-Adams, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and a former chief nurse officer of the Public Health Service, will fill the role on an interim basis. Surgeon general is a confirmed post and requires full Senate approval.

Read article