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.

4 points crucial to the nimble regulation of GenAI
With generative AI coming into its own, AI regulators must avoid relying too much on principles of risk management—and not enough on those of uncertainty management.
FDA recalls infant incubators due to risk of door falling off
A loose screw on the Giraffe OmniBed is to blame. With updated use instructions and repairs, the incubators are safe to use.
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT
CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.
Kentucky AG launches criminal probe after conscious man nearly has organs harvested
Three years ago Anthony Hoover was declared brain dead—until he woke up on the operating room table, moments before his organs were removed. His story has spurred a criminal investigation by Kentucky's attorney general.
FDA announces Class I recall of ventilators after 3 patient injuries
An unexpected nickel coating on the breathing circuits of Percussionaire Phasitron 5 ventilators is being blamed for the recall. The FDA is asking providers to stop using them immediately.

Vaping illnesses highlight unregulated e-cigarette market

With nearly 200 vaping-related lung disease injuries and one death across the U.S., the CDC’s investigation into e-cigarette harms is highlighting just how unregulated the market is for these relatively new tobacco and marijuana products, Politico reported.

August 28, 2019

Physician pay rose in 2018 while productivity held steady

Physician compensation increased by a median of 2.92% in 2018, according to a new survey from AMGA Consulting. That’s a big jump from the 0.89% increase in compensation the previous year, reflecting that demand for healthcare professionals is driving higher pay.

August 27, 2019

Johnson & Johnson to appeal $572M opioid judgment

Pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer packaged goods company Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $572 million to the state of Oklahoma after a judge found the company downplayed the dangers of its opioid painkillers and contributed to the opioid overdose epidemic in the state.

August 27, 2019

Medicare Advantage savings aren’t adding up

While there is some back-and-forth debate over the true savings results from Medicare Advantage, the plans could actually cost Medicare and the American taxpayer.

August 26, 2019

HHS gives $107M to health centers

Nearly $107 million has been designated to more than 1,200 health centers across the U.S. from HHS aimed at improving the quality, efficiency and value of healthcare services provided.

August 23, 2019

California legislature ramps up transparency pressure on Kaiser Permanente

Amid a standoff between 85,000 California-based workers at Kaiser Permanente and the health system over contract negotiations, the California legislature has ramped up the pressure against the nonprofit healthcare services organization.

August 22, 2019

HHS revamps fight to publish drug prices in TV ads

HHS is fighting back after a legal decision blocked the agency’s rule to require drugmakers to publish the list prices of prescription medications in television ads.

August 22, 2019

Signify Health and Remedy Partners to merge

Signify Health and Remedy Partners, two portfolio companies of private equity firm New Mountain Capital, have signed an agreement to merge.

August 21, 2019

Around the web

AI in Healthcare

4 points crucial to the nimble regulation of GenAI

With generative AI coming into its own, AI regulators must avoid relying too much on principles of risk management—and not enough on those of uncertainty management.

Cardiovascular Business

Q&A: Why are cardiovascular devices involved in so many recalls? FDA policies may be to blame

Cardiovascular devices are more likely to be in a Class I recall than any other device type. The FDA's approval process appears to be at least partially responsible, though the agency is working to make some serious changes. We spoke to a researcher who has been tracking these data for years to learn more.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologist compensation still rising, especially in invasive and interventional cardiology

Updated compensation data includes good news for multiple subspecialties. The new report also examines private equity's impact on employment models and how much male cardiologists earn compared to females.