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.

Trump administration still backs Medicaid work requirements after Kentucky setback

Despite hitting a bump in the road with Medicaid work requirements in Kentucky, the Trump administration will continue to approve applications from other states. HHS Secretary Alex Azar, in a speech to the Heritage Foundation on Thursday, July 26, reiterated a commitment to establishing such requirements for able-bodied people who receive Medicaid.

July 27, 2018

Can a fear of lawsuits lead providers to more ‘intense’ care?

Eight years ago, Tom Price, MD, warned how “defensive medicine” drove healthcare costs, estimating 26 cents of every dollar went to unnecessary tests to protect physicians and hospitals from malpractice suits. The estimate wasn’t taken seriously back then, but researchers are now offering an estimate that 5 percent of costs can be attributed to such practices.

July 26, 2018

CMS announces rule to restart risk-adjustment payments

On Tuesday, July 24, CMS released a new rule that will allow risk-adjustment payments, which were halted July 7 and threatened to destabilize health insurance marketplaces by keeping billions of dollars from insurers.

July 25, 2018

House votes to permanently repeal 2.3% medical device tax

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to repeal the 2.3 percent medical device tax that was implemented as part of the Affordable Care Act. The House voted 283 to 132, with 57 Democrats joining Republicans.

July 25, 2018

Americans remain skeptical of Trump’s ability to lower drug prices

A new report co-commissioned by Politico and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, delved deeper into Americans’ outlook regarding the Trump administration’s policies to address prescription drug prices. Though President Donald Trump has called this one of his “greatest priorities,” poll numbers show the country is skeptical.

July 24, 2018

Physicians sue Anthem over ER pay practices

A group of doctors filed suit against health insurance company Anthem for its pay practices over emergency room (ER) care.

July 20, 2018

Trump administration looks at importing drugs to control prices

The Trump administration is taking a wide approach in its efforts to lower drug prices—even considering importing drugs from abroad.

July 20, 2018

OMB review underway to unfreeze $10B in ACA payments

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is reviewing a rule to unlock roughly $10 billion in payments for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance providers.

July 20, 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.