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.

HHS ‘dramatic restructuring’ begins as employees turned away by security
Mass firings on Tuesday led to thousands of workers at the CDC, FDA and NIH losing their jobs, including those working on public health initiatives and vaccine approvals.
California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk
The proposed “Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act,” named after the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, would make it illegal for insurance companies to deny necessary care to patients. The lawyer who proposed the measure said the controversial name was chosen to garner public attention.
FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns
The agency warned that any unused devices should be removed from the market and returned to the manufacturer.
300+ groups urge Senate GOP to reject Medicaid cuts
In an open letter, advocacy groups said the budget proposal passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would “shred our nation’s social safety net.”
HHS to cut 10,000 jobs during 'dramatic restructuring'
The agency said it plans to reduce staff by 25% and consolidate 28 divisions into 15. However, it said Medicare and Medicaid will remain operational.

ACA’s future hot topic at HIMSS 2017—but HIMSS itself doesn’t take a stance

Many panels at HIMSS 2017 in Orlando included references to the ongoing policy debate over the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how that’s affecting all corners of the industry. For HIMSS itself, however, it feels health IT is better off staying out of much of the discussion.

No more meaningful use? MedPAC floats idea in MACRA discussion

Physicians wouldn’t be measured on meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) in the new Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) under a proposal floated by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC).

HIMSS 2017: Ex-HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt predicts ‘less disruptive’ ACA repeal, survival of CMMI

The era of President Donald Trump in healthcare policy may not go as predicted, either for Republicans in Congress or Democrats critical of his pick for HHS Secretary, according to the last Republican who ran the agency, Mike Leavitt.

AHIMA releases toolkit to assist in preparing for HIPAA audits

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has released its External HIPAA Audit Readiness Toolkit to assist organizations in preparing for the upcoming Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Phase 2 audits. The toolkit includes Phase 2 aspects for covered entities, business associates and includes tips in meeting responsibilities.

Medical malpractice legislation advancing in Congress

The House Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that would cap punitive damages in medical malpractice cases at $250,000 when it involves patients covered under Medicare, Medicaid, veterans or military health plans or plans on Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges.

The impact of Trump’s 5-point healthcare proposal

President Donald Trump didn’t advocate for a specific piece of legislation on healthcare in his Feb. 28 joint address to Congress, but he did outline several parts of plan similar to what House Republican leaders have already proposed.

HIMSS 2017: Q&A with CEO of Physicians for Fair Coverage on why doctors favor limiting ‘surprise’ bills

At the state level, one of the hottest policy topics discussed at HIMSS 2017 in Orlando was legislation on so-called “surprise” medical bills incurred when a patient unexpectedly receives care from an out-of-network physician.

ACA repeal plan leaks, but Trump may offer different version in speech to Congress

President Donald Trump is expected to lay out some details on his favored plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while parts of the House Republicans’ newest proposal leaked out, revealing it would eliminate subsidies for buying insurance and the expansion of Medicaid.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

ACC urges RFK Jr. to make Medicare reform a priority, warns against mass layoffs

The American College of Cardiology has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlines some of the organization’s central priorities and concerns.

Radiology Business

FDA announces recall of Medtronic interventional radiology devices after 17 injuries, 4 deaths

One product is being pulled from the market, and the other is receiving updated instructions for use.

AI in Healthcare

What federal regulators can learn from the states about AI oversight

If the Trump administration continues taking a laissez-faire stance toward AI—including AI used in healthcare—why not let the states go it alone on regulating the technology?

Policy & Regulations

HHS ‘dramatic restructuring’ begins as employees turned away by security

California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk

FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns

300+ groups urge Senate GOP to reject Medicaid cuts

HHS to cut 10,000 jobs during 'dramatic restructuring'

Around the web