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.

Private equity bankruptcies in healthcare explode 112% in 5 years
According to the Private Equity Stakeholder Project, 21% of all healthcare bankruptcies in 2023 involved organizations owned by financial firms.
Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths
There have been a total of 11 incidents so far, including seven injuries and two deaths. Boston Scientific said the agent can still be used if operators follow specific instructions during lower GI bleed embolization procedures.
Atrium Health sued for violating patient privacy, sharing data with Facebook and Google
In a court filing, the plaintiffs claim Atrium Health used Meta's Pixel code on its website, resulting in patients receiving targeted ads.
Massive data trove from Change Healthcare hack now for sale on dark web
Cybercriminal group RansomHub claims to have protected health information from nearly every American.
Change Healthcare faces second ransom as cybercriminals leak stolen data
A new hacker group is claiming credit for the data breach, first reported in February. Change Healthcare has already paid criminals a $22 million ransom.

Quality care for geriatric patients lacking in emergency departments

Most EDs do not provide the level of care recommended by Geriatric Emergency Department guidelines.

February 23, 2022

Major pharmacy group criticizes FTC decision on PBMs

FTC failed to reach a consensus on a study looking into PBM practices.

February 18, 2022

Healthcare M&A, mergers and acquisitions business deal.

M&A activity was down in 2021, but 'mega-mergers' spiked

Last year saw the largest percentage of mega transactions over the past six years at 16.3%, nearly double that of 2020.

February 17, 2022

AMA releases new toolkit with 5 steps to achieve racial, health equity

The "Racial and Health Equity: Concrete STEPS for Health Systems toolkit is the latest addition to a collection of more than 70 other toolkits that cover transformative medical practice solutions.

February 16, 2022

Health-tech companies back new legislation introduced to modernize ‘outdated’ health privacy laws

Teladoc Health, IBM, Epic and others all support the bipartisan Health Data Use and Privacy Commission Act.

February 16, 2022

With patient safety slipping, CDC and CMS turn focus to more resilient approaches

COVID-19 has led to a quick and steep decline in patient safety across the entire American healthcare system.

February 16, 2022

HHS awards $55 million to expand virtual healthcare access

The awards will enhance telehealth, digital patient tools and health information technology to support underserved communities.

February 15, 2022

Prior authorization adversely impacts patient care, workforce productivity

An AMA survey shows that prior authorization can have harsh consequences on evidence-based care that interfere with a healthy, productive workforce.

February 14, 2022

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologist salary update: Compensation jumps to $525K per year, No. 3 among all specialties

In addition, cardiologists average an additional $75,000 per year in incentive-based bonuses. That number is only higher for two other specialties.

Cardiovascular Business

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments

CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open.

Cardiovascular Business

Johnson & Johnson to acquire Shockwave Medical for $13.1B

The rumors, it seems, were true. Once the deal is finalized, Shockwave Medical will operate as a business unit within Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

Policy & Regulations

Private equity bankruptcies in healthcare explode 112% in 5 years

Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths

Atrium Health sued for violating patient privacy, sharing data with Facebook and Google

Massive data trove from Change Healthcare hack now for sale on dark web

Change Healthcare faces second ransom as cybercriminals leak stolen data

Around the web