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.

AMGA condemns FTC ban on noncompetes in healthcare
The healthcare employers’ trade group said a nationwide ban on noncompete contracts will stifle investment in new technologies.
Kaiser Permanente exposed data on 13.4 million members to tech companies
Tracking technologies sent patient information to advertisers such as Microsoft, Google and Meta.
FDA announces recall of infusion pumps after thousands of complaints, 1 death
InfuTronix has received 3,698 complaints related to device failures of its Halo Ambulatory Infusion system and other Nimbus pumps.
Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine
Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.
FDA announces recall of more than 2 million catheter parts, citing serious health risks
Fresenius Medical Care is issuing a recall on 2,192,535 catheter extensions and adapters used in patients with acute and chronic kidney disease.

A cardiology practice in Florida and several of its cardiologists have agreed to pay $2 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and committed fraud. As a part of the agreement, there has been no determination of liability.

Cardinal Health will pay $13M to settle kickback allegations

The Ohio-based drug distributor violated the Anti-Kickback Statute by offering to pay physician practices upfront discounts to buy pharmaceuticals paid for by federal health programs, according to the DOJ.

February 2, 2022

UnitedHealth subsidiary must pay $20M after purposely denying claims to ‘protect its bottom line’

The ruling ends a more than six year class-action lawsuit against United Behavioral Health.

January 11, 2022

New lawsuit alleges Duke is working to ‘destroy’ private physicians group

Meanwhile, representatives with the institution say the suit "has no basis in fact or law" and that the university plans to fight it.

January 3, 2022

Five hospital groups join AHA, AMA legal challenge against surprise billing provision

The Federation of American Hospitals and Association of American Medical Colleges are among those organizations that filed an amicus brief in December.

December 16, 2021

Trio of hospice employees sentenced to federal prison in $40M Medicare scheme

Doctors allowed Bradley Harris, CEO of now-defunct Novus Health Services, to dispense medication "like candy," the Department of Justice said.

December 10, 2021

Surgeon General issues warning over youth mental health crisis

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a public health emergency on the mental health crisis among the nation's youth.

December 8, 2021

UnitedHealth must pay doctors $60M after losing lawsuit against TeamHealth

A UHC spokesperson said the insurance giant is planning an "immediate" appeal.

December 8, 2021

Judge halts Biden administration's worker vaccine mandate

More than 17 million healthcare workers and 67,000 providers are likely affected by the now-paused instruction.

December 1, 2021

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine

Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologists, thoracic surgeons applaud FTC’s ban of most noncompete clauses

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons have both shared statements in support of the ban, which is already being challenged in court. The American Hospital Association, meanwhile, opposes the policy shift, saying it “errs by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule”

Cardiovascular Business

Why the business side of cardiology was a key focus at ACC.24

Alison Bailey, MD, co-chair of the business of cardiology sessions at ACC.24, emphasized that reimbursement cuts can have a long-term negative impact on patient.