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.

Catholic hospital sued for refusing to perform emergency abortion on a hemorrhaging patient
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is suing Providence St. Joseph Hospital to discourage an incident like this from happening in the future.
Newsom vetoes bill to regulate private equity transactions in healthcare
Assembly Bill 3129 would have given the California Attorney General oversight of all private equity investments or purchases involving a healthcare entity. Gov. Gavin Newsom argued that a similar regulatory framework is already in place.
FDA announces recall of Pfizer's fast-tracked sickle cell drug
The drugmaker is voluntarily withdrawing Oxbryta from the market due to a higher-than-acceptable risk of death.
Public health coalition wins lawsuit against EPA for lack of fluoride oversight
A federal judge in California ruled existing evidence of the negative effects of fluoride in drinking water warrants an investigation and potential action from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Cardiology groups cheer new bill that would improve access to Medicare claims data
If passed, this bill would help clinician-led clinical registries explore Medicare data for research purposes. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American College of Cardiology both shared public support for the bipartisan legislation.

Healthcare spending increased across all US states, populations in 2017

Out-of-pocket healthcare spending in the U.S. increased across all states and demographic groups in 2017, following a three-year upward trend that culminated in a record year-over-year growth rate, according to a report from JPMorgan Chase Institute.

October 25, 2018

New, one-dose flu medicine approved by FDA

The FDA approved a new flu medicine that could shorten the time people are sick—and it can be taken in one dose.

October 25, 2018

Democrats: Lawsuit against Obamacare affects 15M on ACA exchange

A pending lawsuit launched by Republicans is threatening to overturn the Affordable Care Act—and the effects could impact 15 million people, according to a recent report from the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD).

October 25, 2018

Healthcare spending varies widely by location

Healthcare prices in San Jose, California, have little in common with prices in Baltimore, according to a recent map that revealed the huge variations in overall healthcare costs in 2016 across the nation.

October 25, 2018

Industry groups: New CMS policy puts Americans with pre-existing conditions at risk

More than 25 patient and consumer groups have spoken out against a new guidance issued by CMS on Tuesday that allows states to skirt patient protections mandated under the Affordable Care Act.

October 24, 2018

Rollback of pre-existing conditions protections would affect 102 million people

More than 100 million individuals would be impacted by rollbacks in protections for pre-existing conditions mandated under the Affordable Care Act, according to consulting firm Avalere Health.

October 24, 2018

Healthcare becomes focus of November’s midterms

Healthcare has been a dominant talking point for both Democrats and Republicans this midterm season, according to a recent review of political ads conducted by the Wesleyan Media Project. The issue is so prominent, in fact, that WMP has dubbed this fall’s race “the healthcare election.”

October 24, 2018

NY officials are looking at CVS’ drug price swings

As the state of New York considers the pending $69 billion merger between retail pharmacy chain CVS Health and health insurance giant Aetna, CVS’ practices in drug pricing are coming under the microscope.

October 24, 2018

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology groups cheer new bill that would improve access to Medicare claims data

If passed, this bill would help clinician-led clinical registries explore Medicare data for research purposes. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American College of Cardiology both shared public support for the bipartisan legislation.

Cardiovascular Business

Watchdog group, fearful of fraud, wants more oversight for remote patient monitoring

Cardiologists and other physicians may soon need to provide much more information when ordering remote patient monitoring for Medicare patients.

Cardiovascular Business

Most recalled cardiovascular devices gained FDA approval with little to no clinical evidence

Why are so many cardiovascular devices involved in Class I recalls? One possible reason could be the large number of devices hitting the market without undergoing much premarket clinical testing.