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. 

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Report: ACOs grow, covering 10% of U.S. patients

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) appear to be gaining traction in the healthcare system, covering up to 10 percent of patients, and some early adopters are successfully transforming themselves into more efficient health networks, according to a Nov. 29 report published by Oliver Wyman. 

OIG: Flawed procedures for detecting inaccurate MU payments

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) doubts the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) ability to oversee the Meaningful Use (MU) program and offered recommendations to strengthen the program’s integrity in a November report.

FDA exec talks agency's role in disaster relief post-Sandy

When storms like Hurricane Sandy hit, the Federal Emergency Management Agency assumes the center stage in disaster relief, but it’s not the only federal agency providing emergency support. When natural disasters strike, the FDA works behind the scenes to address the harmful effects.

More of PPACA enacted: No discrimination against pre-existing, chronic conditions

As expected, the Obama administration moved forward to implement provisions in the healthcare reform law that would make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against those with pre-existing conditions. The provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) also would make it easier for consumers to compare health plans and employers to promote and encourage employee wellness.

Congressional hearing on MU highlights usability, costs, standards (Part 2 of 2)

Witnesses attending the Congressional Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation’s hearing on Meaningful Use on Nov. 14 overwhelmingly testified in favor of the program and called for ongoing support from the government. This article is the second installment in a two-part series about this week's hearing on Capitol Hill.

Professional societies should address conflicts of interest with social media

Existing professional medical guidelines mistakenly fail to address the disclosure of conflicts of interest on social media, according to commentary published online Nov. 6 by the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Will ACOs succeed? There's cause for concern

The performance of accountable care organizations in terms of costs and of care delivered should be monitored closely by policymakers to help them avoid the failures of earlier integrated delivery networks, according to an opinion piece published in the November issue of Health Affairs.

ONC establishes database to build workgroup membership

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has established an online database to recruit participants for and publicize its health IT advisory committee workgroup.

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

AI in Healthcare
From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Cardiovascular Business
Merck spends up to $2B to license new weight loss drug with potential heart benefits

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.