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.

Advocacy group asks Congress for $377M increase in funds for the FDA
The Alliance for a Stronger FDA said the increase is necessary to pay salaries and cover the organization's ballooning operational expenses.
FDA clears advanced AI model for predicting heart failure risk
The new algorithm from Implicity evaluates implantable device data and monitors patients for changes that suggest they could experience severe heart failure symptoms in the near future. It was designed to alert clinicians up to weeks in advance.
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.

Former CEO indicted for fake medical device implanted in patients

Laura Perryman, the former chief of Florida-based Stimwave, allegedly created a non-functioning “dummy device” that was used to treat patients suffering from chronic pain.

March 13, 2023

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is asking its interventional cardiologist members to take action to prevent further cuts in Medicare payments in 2024 by contacting their Congressmen. There were substantial cuts in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) payments to physicians in 2023 further cuts each year can only be prevented if Congress changes the laws for how CMS pays physicians.

Oversight Committee launches investigation into pharmacy benefit managers

CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRx have been asked to provide documents, communications and information related to their practices.

March 10, 2023

CMS proposed medicare physician fee schedule for 2023 radiology.

FDA seeking upwards of $7B for 2024

The Food and Drug Administration has put in for a $7.2 billion chunk of the $6.9 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2024 that President Joe Biden proposed March 9.

March 9, 2023

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.

Biden’s budget: Extend Medicare solvency through higher taxes on rich, more drug price changes

Biden says his proposals are an extension of what he has already accomplished to reduce the deficit and lower healthcare spending.

March 7, 2023

layoffs staff cuts termination workforce

Akorn Pharmaceuticals shuts down, lays off all employees

In a sudden "shock," Akorn Pharmaceuticals is closing all U.S. sites and laying off its entire workforce after failing to find a potential buyer.

March 3, 2023

FTC fines BetterHelp $7.8M, says the company 'betrayed' users for profit

BetterHelp is in hot water after the Federal Trade Commission slapped the online counseling service company with a $7.8 million fine and a proposed ban from sharing consumers’ health data.

March 2, 2023

DEA proposes restricting some telemedicine prescriptions

The proposed rules specifically narrow the prescribing of controlled substances via telemedicine for patients who have not been seen in person.

February 28, 2023

FDA authorizes first at-home flu and COVID-19 test

The test specifically can detect and differentiate between influenza A and B and the SARS-Cov-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

February 27, 2023

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.