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.

Arguments for ACA lawsuit from states scheduled for September

A Texas lawsuit seeking a halt in the enforcement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is ramping up, with oral arguments scheduled for Sept. 10. The lawsuit, which was filed by 20 Republican state attorneys general, argues the ACA is unconstitutional.

August 15, 2018

Adventist Health System changing name to AdventHealth

One of the nation’s largest faith-based health systems, Adventist Health System, will soon change its name to AdventHealth.

August 15, 2018

Google parent company bookmarks $375M for healthcare startup

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is investing $375 million into a healthcare startup called Oscar Health.

August 15, 2018

Alzheimer’s law in Massachusetts sets a new standard for training, treatment

Healthcare professionals in Massachusetts will now have to undergo training in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia before they can obtain or renew licenses thanks to a new law.

August 14, 2018

States fight back against short-term health plans

State regulators are resisting urges by HHS to push short-term health plans after the Trump administration expanded their availability, The Hill reported.

August 14, 2018

Bloomberg: CVS-Aetna deal close to clearing antitrust process

CVS Health’s takeover of health insurance giant is likely close to clearing the antitrust process with the Department of Justice, Bloomberg reported last week.

August 13, 2018

Healthcare spending up 5.2% in June 2018 from previous year

National health spending rose 5.2 percent to $3.66 trillion in June 2018 from the previous year, according to a new insights report from Alarum.

August 10, 2018

Hospitals, insurers refine cost estimator tools to avoid sticker shock

George Hahn of Philadelphia had two echocardiograms conducted at the same hospital a year apart, using the same insurance—the only difference was one cost $3,000 more than the other. Hahn’s plight is similar to many other Americans—and hospitals are acting, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.

August 9, 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.