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.

Purdue Pharma files for bankruptcy in opioid settlement

Purdue Pharma, a drug manufacturer and maker of the popular opioid OxyContin, filed for bankruptcy in the fallout of thousands of lawsuits targeting the company for its role in the national opioid abuse and overdose epidemic.

Walmart’s care clinic is just the start of its healthcare plan

Fresh off the heels of its announcement to enter primary care with its own clinic, retail giant Walmart is preparing a big push into the healthcare space.

US uninsured rate is rising

The rate of uninsured Americans in 2018 rose for the first time since the Affordable Care Act went into place, according to new data from the Census Bureau.

Trump administration will ban flavored e-cigarettes

The Trump administration plans to take on e-cigarette use after an outbreak of severe lung disease related to their use caused more than 450 injuries and 6 deaths around the country.

Healthcare groups outline 7 policy recommendations for surprise medical bill legislation

Prominent healthcare organizations, including the American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Medical Association (AMA), have asked Congress to consider certain policy recommendations during its push to protect patients from surprise medical bills.

Moving specialty drug administration from hospitals to homes could save $4B per year

Administering specialty drugs in physicians’ offices and patients’ homes instead of in-hospital could improve care and cut healthcare spending in the U.S. by $4 billion each year, according to a Sept. 9 report from UnitedHealth Group.

Kaiser Permanente will be forced to disclose more under California law

Kaiser Permanente, a large health system based in California, will be forced to follow the same disclosure laws as other healthcare payers and providers in the state thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Survey: Consumers aren’t fond of the pharma industry

The reputation of the pharmaceutical industry is tanking among U.S. consumers, the latest Gallup poll reveals.

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