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.

Golden State legislators move to block sugary beverages as default option for kids' meals

A bill advancing through the California legislature seeks to remove soda, juice and chocolate milk as default options for kids’ meals and prevent them from being advertised alongside food marketed toward children.

June 21, 2018

Industry groups nearly united in opposition of association health plans

On Tuesday, June 19, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released its final regulation to expand use of association health plans, allowing small business and individuals to join together to purchase coverage. In reaction, 26 patients and consumer groups—headlined by the American Heart Association, American Lung Association and American Cancer Society—issued a joint statement attacking the final rule.

June 21, 2018

GE delisted from Dow Jones after 110-year run in 30-company index

For the first time in 110 years, General Electric won’t be a part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, after S&P Dow Jones Indices announced the corporate giant will be delisted when the stock market opens June 26.

June 20, 2018

BCBS, Mayo Clinic agree to 5-year collaborative relationship

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic will enter into a five-year agreement that will keep all state-wide Mayo Clinic locations within network through 2023.

June 19, 2018

Trump to announce expansion of non-ACA-complaint 'association health plans'

The Trump administration appears close to announcing a new health insurance option for small businesses and self-employed individuals that would offer fewer benefits and cost less.

June 19, 2018

62% of millennials would let insurers check social media if it lowered premiums

A majority of millennials—individuals between 18 and 34 years old—are willing to let health insurance companies access their social media, provided their premiums could be lowered, according to a survey from MuleSoft Inc.

June 19, 2018

6 factors behind PwC's 2019's medical cost trend of 6%

PricewaterhouseCoopers released its report on medical cost trends, which estimates numbers for 2019. The good news? Cost increases have leveled off—rising 6 percent in 2019. But for employers, these increasing expenditures do not lead to improved productivity. Medical costs continue to jump, while growth in labor productivity should remain near 1.1 percent for 2019—below the average annual increase of 2.3 percent in recent decades.

June 19, 2018

Trump administration announces tariffs on $50B of Chinese goods—including medical devices

After months of statements, speculation, trade talks, tweets and threats, the U.S. government has officially put tariffs in place on $50 billion worth of products imported from China, including medical imaging equipment. X-ray, CT and MRI equipment are all on the list of products included in this announcement.

June 15, 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.