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.

Humana hits highest share price ever

With a stake in two post-acute care companies under its belt, health insurer Humana saw its share price hit a new record high last week.

July 18, 2018

Amazon eyeing investment in Indian pharmacy chain

Retail giant Amazon is in early talk to invest in Medplus, India’s second-largest pharmacy chain, according to FactorDaily.

July 18, 2018

HHS diverts $40M to immigration crisis under Trump policy

President Donald Trump’s policy of “zero tolerance” on illegal immigration has led HHS to redirect millions in funding to house migrant children separated from their parents at the border.

July 18, 2018

HHS proposals for 340B drug pricing program prompt industry objections

Proposed changes to the 340B drug pricing program, in addition to other cuts in payments, are being called out by industry associations and providers.

July 18, 2018

'Breakthrough' drug designations result in less certainty

Speeding up the regulatory process has led to uncertainty about the effectiveness of some new drugs.

July 17, 2018

Hospital utilization slows as healthcare moves to cheaper care settings

Hospital utilization is slowing down in its growth, according to a recent survey of hospital administrators. The trend underscores the shift across the healthcare system away from high-cost settings toward lower-cost outpatient utilization.

July 17, 2018

Healthcare venture capital funding to hit new high in 2018

Venture capital funding continues to pour into healthcare startups, and the pace this year is already expected to top 2017's total figure of $15 billion.

July 16, 2018

Major insurers won’t be impacted negatively by halted ACA risk adjustment payments

The largest U.S. health insurers aren’t likely to be at risk of negative credit ratings after the Trump administration halted about $10 billion in risk adjustment payments, according to Fitch Ratings.

July 16, 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.