Dr. Casey Means, President Donald Trump's nominee for surgeon general, appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday for her confirmation hearing. The hearing had been originally scheduled for October but was postponed when Means went into labor hours before her scheduled testimony.

In her opening statement, Means outlined her concerns about chronic illness in the United States and highlighted her experience in the field. As Trump's pick for the nation's top doctor position, she would be responsible for disseminating public health guidance if confirmed by the Senate.

During the hearing, senators questioned Means about her positions on various public health issues, including vaccines and birth control. The nominee is considered an ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and supports his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) specifically questioned Means about her previous recommendation of psilocybin use, referencing the nominee's 2024 book "Good Energy." Collins expressed concern about statements Means had made regarding the psychedelic substance.

Means does not currently hold an active medical license, which has drawn attention from critics during the confirmation process. The hearing focused on her current positions and past public statements on a range of health-related topics as senators evaluated her qualifications for the role.