The most recent Deputy Secretary was Andrea Palm, who was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 11, 2021.

The deputy secretary is also the regulatory policy officer for the department, overseeing the development and approval of all HHS regulations and significant guidance.

In addition, the deputy secretary leads a number of initiatives at the department, including implementing the President's management agenda, combating bio-terrorism, and public health emergency preparedness.

She also represents the secretary of health and human services on the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The position of under secretary had been in existence since the creation of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1953.