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.

HHS ‘dramatic restructuring’ begins as employees turned away by security
Mass firings on Tuesday led to thousands of workers at the CDC, FDA and NIH losing their jobs, including those working on public health initiatives and vaccine approvals.
California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk
The proposed “Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act,” named after the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, would make it illegal for insurance companies to deny necessary care to patients. The lawyer who proposed the measure said the controversial name was chosen to garner public attention.
FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns
The agency warned that any unused devices should be removed from the market and returned to the manufacturer.
300+ groups urge Senate GOP to reject Medicaid cuts
In an open letter, advocacy groups said the budget proposal passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would “shred our nation’s social safety net.”
HHS to cut 10,000 jobs during 'dramatic restructuring'
The agency said it plans to reduce staff by 25% and consolidate 28 divisions into 15. However, it said Medicare and Medicaid will remain operational.

Oracle’s $28.3B deal to buy Cerner facing antitrust scrutiny, additional lawsuits

A filing submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission listed seven civil actions brought forth by Cerner stockholders that suggest disclosure documents contain "insufficient or incorrect" information.

UnitedHealthcare subpoenaed over data breach impacting 22,000 people

The Rhode Island Attorney General's office said "one or more" entities may have diverted from standard information safeguards.

Medicare patients will have access to free at-home COVID tests starting this spring

Under the Biden administration's new mandate, Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will be eligible for eight free tests each month.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

ACC urges RFK Jr. to make Medicare reform a priority, warns against mass layoffs

The American College of Cardiology has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlines some of the organization’s central priorities and concerns.

Radiology Business

FDA announces recall of Medtronic interventional radiology devices after 17 injuries, 4 deaths

One product is being pulled from the market, and the other is receiving updated instructions for use.

AI in Healthcare

What federal regulators can learn from the states about AI oversight

If the Trump administration continues taking a laissez-faire stance toward AI—including AI used in healthcare—why not let the states go it alone on regulating the technology?

Policy & Regulations

HHS ‘dramatic restructuring’ begins as employees turned away by security

California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk

FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns

300+ groups urge Senate GOP to reject Medicaid cuts

HHS to cut 10,000 jobs during 'dramatic restructuring'

Around the web