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.

Anthem, Walmart to collaborate in OTC medicines deal

Health insurance company Anthem has teamed up with Walmart in a bid to improve access to and lower the price of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and services, the companies announced Monday.

August 20, 2018

CMS releases $8.6M in healthcare funds to stabilize markets

CMS has awarded $8.6 million in funding to 30 states and the District of Columbia to help stabilize health insurance markets. The funding is part of $250 million earmarked for State Rate Review Grants to improve the process for how sates review proposed health insurance rates.

August 20, 2018

Drug makers have made no vows to lower prices, say PBMs

Several major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), functional middlemen that negotiate drug prices with manufacturers, say they’ve received no commitments from big drug makers to lower prices, The Hill reported.

August 17, 2018

Trump calls on DOJ to sue opioid makers in a federal case

Days after the state of New York filed suit against the manufacturer of a powerful opioid, President Donald Trump stated he’d like to see a federal lawsuit against more opioid makers.

August 17, 2018

NYU will cover 100% of tuition for medical students

In a new scholarship initiative, medical students will be able to attend New York University School of Medicine tuition free, regardless of need or merit.

August 17, 2018

Arkansas Medicaid work requirements will cause thousands to lose coverage

Arkansas’ Medicaid work requirements are facing major problems. During the first month of implementation in June and July, more than 5,000 residents failed to follow through on reporting that they actually worked 80 hours.

August 16, 2018

Senator urges more oversight in healthcare mega-deals like CVS-Aetna merger

Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has asked the U.S. Department of Justice for heightened scrutiny over two significant healthcare deals currently underway, citing limited competition and high drug pricing concerns in a letter.

August 16, 2018

Best Buy to acquire senior-focused tech company for $800M

Best Buy has entered into an agreement to purchase health services provider GreatCall for $800 million in cash, the consumer electronics retailer announced Wednesday.

August 16, 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.