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.

FDA issues new guidelines to treat opioid use disorder

The U.S. FDA issued new draft guidelines to treat opioid use disorders that include using medication-assisted treatment drugs.

August 6, 2018

70% of Americans feel opioid misuse is a statewide problem

The CDC reported more than 50 percent of drug overdose deaths involve an opioid. And in the past two decades, opioid-related overdose deaths has increased by more than five times.

August 6, 2018

Democrats to force vote against short-term health plans

In response to the Trump administration’s decision to expand short-term health plans, Senate Democrats will try to force a vote to block the rule, the Associated Press reported.

August 3, 2018

New York’s single-payer health system could work—with tax increases

As the debate over a possible single-payer health system heats up, at least one study has shown such a model is viable in New York—with a few catches.

August 3, 2018

Healthcare remains a leader in job growth

Healthcare was once again a leader among the number of jobs added to the economy in July, according to the most recent jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

August 3, 2018

Cities file suit claiming Trump administration is sabotaging ACA

Chicago, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, filed a joint lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of actively undermining the Affordable Care Act.

August 3, 2018

CMS finalizes 2019 hospital payments, scraps controversial inpatient reimbursement rule

CMS finalized a rule for inpatient and long-term care hospital payments, tossing out a controversial reimbursement plan with it.

August 3, 2018

California official throws wrench in planned CVS-Aetna merger

The planned merger of CVS Health and Aetna hit a snag this week after California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones urged the U.S. Department of Justice to block the $69 billion deal.

August 2, 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.