Policy & Regulations

This channel includes news coverage of healthcare policy and regulations set by Congress, the states, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and medical associations and societies.

Maryland enacts sweeping ban on noncompetes for all healthcare professionals
The new law will ban noncompetes in the state for all healthcare workers who provide care, including veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
About that bipartisan $32B ‘roadmap’ for AI policy: What’s in it for healthcare?
This week Washington took a major step toward nailing down a solid game plan on federal AI spending for everything outside of defense.
FDA set to evaluate use of ‘ecstasy’ for treating PTSD
The party drug could soon be prescribed, in conjunction with psychological interventions, as a treatment for mental health disorders.
FDA announces another new recall involving Abbott’s HeartMate 3 LVADs after 70 injuries, 2 deaths
Abbott issued the new recall after receiving more than 80 reports of blood or air entering the LVAD during implant procedures. Customers can still use these devices, but they are advised to follow specific steps to limit the risk of complications.
Rand releases bracing analysis of hospital prices; AHA repudiates approach, methodology
The Rand Corporation is reporting that, in 2022, employers and private insurers paid hospitals an average 254% more than what Medicare would have spent for the same services in the same facilities.

Walmart acquires health management app CareZone

Walmart has expanded its digital health services by acquiring CareZone, a technology platform and mobile app that allows individuals and families to manage medicine and chronic disease.

June 17, 2020

Physicians estimate return to normal in August 2021

It will be more than a year for the U.S. healthcare industry to return to normal, with physicians expecting the new normal to be sometime around August 2021—once a vaccine for COVID-19 has been distributed.

June 15, 2020

HHS finalizes rule repealing Obama-era protections for trans patients

The rule eliminates provisions of a 2016 rule from the Obama administration that attempted to protect trans patients from discrimination.

June 15, 2020

Kaiser Permanente to return $500M in coronavirus aid

Kaiser Permanente is among a handful of major healthcare organizations that have promised to refund the government millions in aid meant to help health systems and hospitals deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 8, 2020

Cost of coronavirus tests varies, but high costs are exceptions

Reports of sky-high costs for coronavirus testing may be the exception, with the majority of testing being “relatively tame” in cost, according to an analysis by Axios.

June 5, 2020

Trump promises to break US away from WHO

President Trump has stated he wants to terminate the United States’ relationship with the World Health Organization.

June 1, 2020

CVS facing lawsuit from six Blue Cross insurers

CVS Health has been accused of overcharging for generic medications in a new lawsuit brought forth by six Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.

May 29, 2020

More Part D plans will likely offer $35 monthly co-pays for insulin in 2021

More than 1,750 standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and MA plans have applied to offer insulin at a maximum $35 copay for a month’s supply of the drug for the 2021 plan year, CMS announced.

May 26, 2020

Around the web

AI in Healthcare

About that bipartisan $32B ‘roadmap’ for AI policy: What’s in it for healthcare?

This week Washington took a major step toward nailing down a solid game plan on federal AI spending for everything outside of defense.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death

The recall includes specific lots of five different medical devices used to treat stroke and other neurovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls

The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.