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.

Boston Medical Center installs solar panels to pay patients’ electric bills
A program dubbed the Clean Power Prescription sends half the energy generated by 519 solar panels on the hospital's roof back to patients, in the form of energy credits.
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.

Phlebotomist, EMT among 6 most popular healthcare jobs for millennials

Millennials make up the largest generation in the U.S. labor force, so it should come as no surprise that healthcare jobs are among the most popular roles for this cohort.

August 30, 2018

CMS adds flexibility to Medicare Part D drug plans

Starting in 2020, Medicare Part D drug plans will have more power to tailor which drugs can be used for different indications.

August 30, 2018

GOP may renew fight over ACA repeal following McCain’s death

Congressional Republicans are reportedly thinking about taking another swing at overturning the Affordable Care Act (ACA) after the death of Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, The Hill reported.

August 29, 2018

Could the DOJ be an obstacle to CVS-Aetna merger?

A New York Assemblyman has urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to block the $69 billion planned merger between CVS Health and Aetna.

August 28, 2018

GAO: Trump administration stifled ACA enrollment

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report last week that claimed actions by the Trump administration negatively impacted enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace during the 2017 sign-up period.

August 27, 2018

University of Chicago, Humana partner to serve MA members

Health insurance and services provider Humana has teamed up with the University of Chicago Medicine in a value-based agreement to offer coordinated, patient-centered care to Humana’s Medicare Advantage (MA) members.

August 24, 2018

Walgreens, CVS emphasize personal value as Amazon threat looms

Feeling the pressure from the ever-growing presence of Amazon in the healthcare space, CVS Health and Walgreens are emphasizing their abilities to connect with patients face to face, Forbes reported.

August 24, 2018

Cigna deal with Express Scripts approved by shareholders

Shareholders of Cigna have approved a $67 billion acquisition of Express Scripts, a pharmacy benefit manager.

August 24, 2018

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.