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.

Government wants $341K back from Tom Price for private jet use

Federal investigators say former HHS Secretary Tom Price wasted $341,000 of taxpayer money for his use of chartered jets and military aircraft, The New York Times reported Friday.

July 13, 2018

White House report says 'timing is ideal' for Medicaid work requirements

The White House’s Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) is urging Congress to take legislative action to promote work requirements in Medicaid.

July 13, 2018

Amazon rumored to be in talks to deliver medical products in new pilot

Amazon is reportedly in talks with healthcare startup Xealth and two hospital networks about a pilot project that would allow doctors to recommend and deliver bundles of medical products to patient homes upon discharge.

July 13, 2018

Verma defends halting ACA payments

After the Trump administration halted roughly $10 billion in risk adjustment payments designated for ACA insurers, CMS Administrator Seema Verma defended the decision.

July 13, 2018

CMS proposals aim to free physicians to spend more time with patients

CMS proposed several changes with wide-ranging goals, including aiming to reduce administrative burdens on doctors to spend more time with patients, the agency announced Thursday, July 12.

July 12, 2018

High valuations may curb healthcare M&A appetite of private equity groups

Healthcare M&A has been heating up for years, but sky-high valuations and rising competition may be causing some private equity buyers to walk away from the table.

July 12, 2018

Massive deals among top factors driving healthcare M&A activity

Strong earnings, megadeals and promising demographics are helping drive healthcare M&A activity.

July 12, 2018

Humana completes acquisitions of Kindred, Curo

Health insurance giant Humana—in a deal with private equity groups—closed its acquisitions of home health company Kindred Healthcare and hospice provider Curo Health Services.

July 12, 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.