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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Justice Dept. takes down ransomware group targeting hospitals

The group targeted 1,500 victims in over 80 countries and received more than $100M since June 2021.

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Majority of Americans believe healthcare is a government responsibility

More than half of Americans (57%) believe healthcare should be ensured by the federal government, according to a recent poll from Gallup.

FDA proposes major shift to COVID vaccine schedule

Under the new proposal, the FDA would conduct an assessment of prevalent strains circulating each year, likely beginning around June, with the aim of new vaccines being ready by September. 

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Uninsured rate dropped during COVID-19 pandemic

The uninsured rate in the United States saw a drop from 11.1% in 2019 to 10.5% in 2021, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Animal testing no longer required for all new drugs approved by FDA

The bill was first introduced by Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in the Senate, and it was approved unanimously.

COVID-19 PHE extended to mid-April

The renewal comes as the country is facing another wave of COVID-19 infections, this time from a new variant identified as XBB.1.5.

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Cardiologists push for a more diverse, inclusive healthcare workforce

A recent roundtable discussion focused on how today's healthcare leaders can "begin to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequities in medicine and build new systems that promote diversity, equity and inclusive excellence."

FDA announces recall of adrenaline lots

Spectrum Laboratory Products is voluntarily recalling the lots after customer complaints found the adrenaline to be discolored.

Around the web

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.

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. 

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.