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.

FDA announces recall of SonarMed airway monitors after injury
Medtronic brand SonarMed airway monitors and acoustic sensors are being recalled due to a risk of breathing obstruction and lung tissue damage.
‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use
U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?
Philips settles cases over faulty sleep apnea machines for $1.1B
The litigation stems from a 2023 recall of CPAP machines and ventilators that caused users to inhale pieces of foam during use. The faulty units were linked to at least 561 deaths.
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.

The new recall includes five lots of medications distributed from December 2019 to April 2022. Similar products were also recalled back in March for the same reason. The FDA recalled Accupril from Pfizer.

Pfizer recalls hypertension drug over cancer risk

Drug maker Pfizer has voluntarily recalled a hypertension drug due to the presence of a potentially cancer-causing nitrosamine.

April 26, 2022

VIDEO: The importance of the Physician Practice Information Survey and its impact on radiology reimbursements

Linda Wilgus, CPA, CMPE, executive director and chief financial officer of Northwest Radiology Network and a past president of the Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA), explains the importance of the Physician Practice Information Survey CMS in calculating radiology reimbursements.

April 25, 2022

Hospitals, health systems still grappling with price transparency rules

Hospitals and health systems have been forced to post their prices for some 300 services since the start of 2021 thanks to a recent price transparency rule.

April 21, 2022

Biden administration fights mask mandate repeal

The Biden administration will fight back and appeal a ruling that overturned the federal mask mandate on airlines and public transportation.

April 20, 2022

During the 2022 State of the Union address, President Biden outlined a new plan to combat COVID-19 by testing and immediate treatment, plans to reduce drug costs, the need for more mental health coverage, and a call for more cancer research under an NIH program.

Politico: Biden to toss Trump’s ‘conscience’ rule for healthcare workers

The Biden administration is making a move to get rid of a rule that allows healthcare workers to refuse to provide services that go against their personal beliefs.

April 19, 2022

The ASNC is one of several medical imaging societies asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use criteria (AUC) criteria mandate. They say it poses issues for clinicians and is becoming outdated by changes in CMS payment systems. The AUC requirements call for documentation using CVMS authorized software in order to show advanced imaging such as nuclear and CT is justified, or else Medicare payments might be withheld.

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology urges Congress to speed prior authorizations, repeal AUC mandate

Over the past few weeks, members of ASNC’s Health Policy Committee have held meetings with their members of Congress.

April 18, 2022

New York Albany capitol building. New York state has granted nurse practitioners full practice authority, despite opposition from radiologists and other physician groups.

New York grants nurse practitioners full practice authority, despite radiologist opposition

The move allows Empire State NPs to order and interpret diagnostic tests without requiring a written practice agreement from a physician.

April 14, 2022

Ranna Parekh, MD, is the diversity and inclusion officer at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and will soon switch to that role at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

MD Anderson appointed a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has hired Ranna Parekh, MD, as its chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer (CDEIO), who currently serves as the inaugural chief diversity and inclusion officer at American College of Cardiology (ACC) .

April 14, 2022

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use

U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?

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”