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.

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.
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”
Which healthcare entities will be affected by ban on noncompetes? Look to business practices, not tax status
The new rule will give healthcare workers more options, but are non-profit hospitals exempt from the law?
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.

Prior authorization under fire in Inspector General investigation

An investigation from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) regarding prior authorization requirements in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans revealed concerns about access to care.

April 29, 2022

More than 400 nursing homes expected to close this year

The 400+ closures projected for 2022 are nearly double the next highest year, when 220 nursing homes closed in 2019.

April 27, 2022

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

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.