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.

Savings impact of alternative payment models proves difficult to project

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation savings projections keep moving, underscoring just how difficult it is to estimate the impact of untested alternative payment models, according to a recent analysis from Avalere Health.

Largest physician specialty group endorses Medicare for all

The American College of Physicians, which represents 159,000 internists in the U.S., has endorsed a single-payer American healthcare system.

Trump worries about healthcare poll, regrets enacting vaping restrictions

HHS Secretary Alex Azar took some heat from President Trump after a recent poll showed Democrats leading when it came to the issue of healthcare.

Medical researchers must understand risks associated with AI

AI is poised to change the healthcare industry forever—but risks remain that researchers must take seriously.

Hospital, health system model changes drove M&A in 2019

Changing models across hospitals and health systems helped drive mergers and acquisition activity in 2019, according to a new report from Kaufman Hall.

Without individual mandate, the ACA chugs along

The Affordable Care Act has remained strong despite the lack of an individual mandate, which was effectively stripped in the 2018 budget by Republicans.

UPMC designates $1B investment in life sciences

The innovation and venture capital arm of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is planning to invest $1 billion into life sciences to develop new drugs, diagnostics and devices over the next four years.

More healthcare M&A on the horizon in 2020

Executives in the healthcare space are expecting more M&A activity in 2020 compared to 2019, according to a new outlook from KPMG.

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