Case: Society of General Internal Medicine v. Kennedy

8:25-cv-02751 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Filed Date: Aug. 21, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ authority to interfere with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) grantmaking processes for congressionally appropriated funds. It was brought by the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) and the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG), a nonprofit membership association reliant on federal grant funding. On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) sent a reduction…

This case challenged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ authority to interfere with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) grantmaking processes for congressionally appropriated funds. It was brought by the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) and the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG), a nonprofit membership association reliant on federal grant funding.

On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) sent a reduction in force notice to approximately 123 staff members in various AHRQ’s offices, placing the employees on administrative leave and cutting off their email access. On July 14, these staffers were officially terminated from the Office of Extramural Research, Education, and Priority Populations (OEREP), which was entirely responsible for grantmaking through peer review of grant applications.

Following these events, on August 21, SGIM and NAPCRG filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and their respective leadership. Plaintiffs sued under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) alleging that the cessation of AHRQ’s process for grantmaking by the Defendants was violative of APA and the statutory duties of AHRQ. The same day, NAPCRG also filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction to require Defendants to restart the review of the AHRQ grant application, make all 2025 grant funds available for obligation, and extend the date that AHRQ’s fiscal year 2025 appropriated funds are available for obligation throughout the pendency of this litigation. The case was assigned to Judge Brendan A. Hurson.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Muhammad Hammad Amin (9/14/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71165674/parties/society-of-general-internal-medicine-v-kennedy/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Early, Cormac A. (Maryland)

Garlock, Stephanie (Maryland)

Zieve, Allison M. (Maryland)

Attorney for Defendant

Dillon, Jessica F (Maryland)

Nardone, S. Nicole (Maryland)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
4

8:25-cv-02751

Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction

Society of General Internal Medicine v. Kennedy et al.

Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
1

8:25-cv-02751

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

Complaint
20

8:25-cv-02751

Unopposed Motion To Extend The Obligation Deadline For The Agency For Healthcare Research And Quality’s Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriation

Society of General Internal Medicine v. Kennedy, Jr. et al.

Sept. 18, 2025

Sept. 18, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
21

8:25-cv-02751

Order

Society of General Internal Medicine et al. v. Kennedy, Jr. et al.

Sept. 19, 2025

Sept. 19, 2025

Order/Opinion
23

8:25-cv-02751

Emergency Motion To Vacate Or, In The Alternative, To Amend Order

Society of General Internal Medicine et al. v. Kennedy, Jr. et al.

Sept. 28, 2025

Sept. 28, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
27

8:25-cv-02751

Order

Society of General Internal Medicine et al. v. Kennedy, Jr. et al.

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71165674/society-of-general-internal-medicine-v-kennedy/

Last updated Nov. 19, 2025, 6:42 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number AMDDC-12183277.), filed by Society of General Internal Medicine, North American Primary Care Research Group. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons)(Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on RECAP

2 Summons

View on RECAP

3 Summons

View on RECAP

4 Summons

View on RECAP

5 Summons

View on RECAP

6 Summons

View on RECAP

7 Summons

View on RECAP

Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

Local Rule 103.3 Disclosure Statement by Society of General Internal Medicine (Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

3

Local Rule 103.3 Disclosure Statement by North American Primary Care Research Group (Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

4

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Attachment Index of Exhibits, # 3 Exhibit Doe #1 Declaration, # 4 Exhibit Doe #2 Declaration, # 5 Exhibit Bass Declaration, # 6 Exhibit Katz Declaration, # 7 Exhibit Trivedi Declaration, # 8 Exhibit Schnipper Declaration, # 9 Exhibit Rodriguez Declaration, # 10 Exhibit Schulson Declaration, # 11 Exhibit Dolber Declaration, # 12 Exhibit Linder Declaration, # 13 Exhibit Bolen Declaration, # 14 Text of Proposed Order)(Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on RECAP

2 Attachment Index of Exhibits

View on PACER

3 Exhibit Doe #1 Declaration

View on PACER

4 Exhibit Doe #2 Declaration

View on PACER

5 Exhibit Bass Declaration

View on PACER

6 Exhibit Katz Declaration

View on PACER

7 Exhibit Trivedi Declaration

View on PACER

8 Exhibit Schnipper Declaration

View on PACER

9 Exhibit Rodriguez Declaration

View on PACER

10 Exhibit Schulson Declaration

View on PACER

11 Exhibit Dolber Declaration

View on PACER

12 Exhibit Linder Declaration

View on PACER

13 Exhibit Bolen Declaration

View on PACER

14 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

Clearinghouse
5

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Allison M. Zieve (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12183598.) by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine(Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

6

PAPERLESS ORDER granting 5 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Allison M. Zieve. Directing attorney Allison M. Zieve to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 8/22/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

7

NOTICE of Appearance by Jessica F Dillon on behalf of All Defendants (Dillon, Jessica) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

8

PAPERLESS ORDER setting a briefing schedule on 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine. The Government's opposition is due September 4, 2025. Plaintiffs' reply is due September 8, 2025, at noon. Chambers will coordinate with counsel via email to set a hearing. Signed by Judge Brendan Abell Hurson on 8/22/2025. (nd4s, Chambers) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

9

Summons Issued 60 days as to Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Roger D. Klein, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General(heps, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

10

PAPERLESS ORDER: A hearing on 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine is scheduled for September 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 3D (101 W. Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201). Signed by Judge Brendan Abell Hurson on 8/26/2025. (nd4s, Chambers) (Entered: 08/26/2025)

Aug. 26, 2025

Aug. 26, 2025

11

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Cormac A. Early (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12194339.) by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine (Attachments: # 1 Attachment List of Bar Memberships)(Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 08/27/2025)

Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025

12

PAPERLESS ORDER granting 11 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Cormac A. Early. Directing attorney Cormac A. Early to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 8/29/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

Aug. 29, 2025

Aug. 29, 2025

13

NOTICE of Appearance by S. Nicole Nardone on behalf of All Defendants (Nardone, S.) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

Aug. 29, 2025

Aug. 29, 2025

14

RESPONSE in Opposition re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Roger D. Klein, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.(Dillon, Jessica) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 4, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

15

REPLY to Response to Motion re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine.(Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

16

Motions Hearing held on 9/11/2025 re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine before Judge Brendan Abell Hurson. (Court Reporter: Paula Leeper) (Rebecca Maldeis, Deputy Clerk - Courtroom 3D) (Entered: 09/11/2025)

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

17

PAPERLESS ORDER. For the reasons stated on the record, the Court will delay ruling on the 4 Motion for Preliminary Injunction until 9/18/2025, by which date the parties should provide the Court with a status report on the litigation. Signed by Judge Brendan Abell Hurson on 9/11/2025. (lm4s, Law Clerk) (Entered: 09/11/2025)

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

18

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings held on 9/11/2025, before Judge Brendan Hurson. Court Reporter Paula Leeper, Telephone number (301)344-3229. Total number of pages filed: 74. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained from the Court Reporter or through PACER. Redaction Request due 10/6/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 10/16/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 12/15/2025.(pl, Court Reporter) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

19

STATUS REPORT (Joint) by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine(Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 09/18/2025)

Sept. 18, 2025

Sept. 18, 2025

20

MOTION to Extend the Obligation Deadline for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriation by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 09/18/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Sept. 18, 2025

Sept. 18, 2025

Clearinghouse
21

[VACATED PER ECF No. 27] ORDER granting 20 Motion to Extend the Obligation Deadline for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's fiscal year 2025 appropriation and the record in this case. Signed by Judge Brendan Abell Hurson on 9/19/2025. (heps, Deputy Clerk) Modified on 9/30/2025 (heps). (Entered: 09/19/2025)

Sept. 19, 2025

Sept. 19, 2025

Clearinghouse
22

NOTICE by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (Withdrawal of Preliminary Injunction Motion) (Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 09/22/2025)

Sept. 22, 2025

Sept. 22, 2025

23

Emergency MOTION to Vacate 21 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, or, in the Alternative, to Amend by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Roger D. Klein, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dillon, Jessica) (Entered: 09/28/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Sept. 28, 2025

Sept. 28, 2025

Clearinghouse
24

PAPERLESS ORDER: A teleconference has been scheduled in this matter at 4:00 p.m. today. Call-in information has been circulated to counsel via email. A public access line is listed on the Court's calendar. Signed by Judge Brendan Abell Hurson on 9/29/2025. (nd4s, Chambers) (Entered: 09/29/2025)

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

25

RESPONSE to Motion re 23 Emergency MOTION to Vacate 21 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, or, in the Alternative, to Amend filed by North American Primary Care Research Group, Society of General Internal Medicine. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Garlock, Stephanie) (Entered: 09/29/2025)

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

26

Telephonic Status Conference held on 9/29/2025 before Judge Brendan Abell Hurson.(Court Reporter: Nadine Bachmann) (jks, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 09/29/2025)

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

27

ORDER granting 23 Defendant's Motion to Vacate, or in the alternative to amend the Original Order entered on September 19,2025; ECF 21, is VACATED. Signed by Judge Brendan Abell Hurson on 9/29/2025. (heps, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 09/30/2025)

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

Clearinghouse
28

MOTION to Stay Proceedings in Light of Lapse of Appropriations by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Roger D. Klein, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dillon, Jessica) (Entered: 10/04/2025)

Oct. 4, 2025

Oct. 4, 2025

RECAP
29

ORDER granting 28 Motion to Stay Proceedings in Light of Lapse of Appropriations. Signed by Judge Brendan Abell Hurson on 10/7/2025. (heps, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 10/07/2025)

Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

Maryland

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 21, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Two non-profit membership associations, the Society of General Internal Medicine and the North American Primary Care Research Group.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Robert F. Kennedy (- United States (national) -), Federal

U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services (- United States (national) -), Federal

Roger D. Klein (- United States (national) -), Federal

Agency For Healthcare Research And Quality (- United States (national) -), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Constitutional Clause(s):

Separation of Powers

Other Dockets:

District of Maryland 8:25-cv-02751

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority:

Impoundment (mandatory spending)