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.

Healthcare growth slows, but June adds 49,000 new jobs
For the last year, the average monthly growth has been 64,000 new jobs. However, healthcare continues to outpace most other sectors of the economy.
Optum settles improper opioid prescription accusations for $20M
The UnitedHealth Group subsidiary has not admitted any wrongdoing but said it has improved protocols for monitoring controlled substances.
AMA: Examining a doctors’ health data can help detect burnout
More than 50% of physicians reported feeling burned out, leading to large numbers retiring or changing jobs The AMA now wants to look at healthcare worker medical records to help identify workplace stressors and how to improve well-being.
Tracking private equity: Cardiologist, CEO share perspective on acquisition trends
The ongoing rise of private equity continues to be one of the biggest topics in modern healthcare.
Inmates in five states, including minors, to be granted Medicaid coverage
Inmates in Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, Utah and Vermont will be granted access to patient care services, including behavioral health and drug abuse interventions.

GE Healthcare's Portrait Mobile wireless and wearable monitoring solution

GE HealthCare earns FDA clearance for new remote patient monitoring device

The newly cleared device was designed with patient freedom and flexibility in mind.

August 18, 2023

Race for AI dominance: 5 points to ponder about US v. China

AI that’s intended to let cars drive themselves can be repurposed to let tanks level cities. And AI can just as easily weaponize a virus as diagnose it. These are not secrets.

August 17, 2023

Biden administration invests $100M in strengthening nursing workforce

The funding is a response to the escalating demand for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and nurse faculty throughout the United States.

August 15, 2023

FDA warns public not to use certain pregnancy tests due to safety, accuracy issues

The agency shared a list of 15 diagnostic tests that should not be used by patients going forward.

August 15, 2023

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has issued a new statement urging the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to rethink its maintenance of certification (MOC) policies. The organization, home to more than 4,500 interventional cardiologists, says some of its members have seen their privileges “threatened and even revoked” despite passing the necessary exams and reporting procedural volumes as required. Stamp | Certification

Interventional cardiologists call out ABIM for ‘unfair and unjustified’ certification policies

“This situation unacceptably exacerbates the interventional cardiology workforce shortage and threatens to directly impact the care of patients," SCAI wrote in a new statement.

August 11, 2023

Expanding Medicaid linked to better care for heart patients

New research, based on data from approximately 143 million patients, focused on prescriptions for heart failure, atrial fibrillation and other significant cardiac conditions.

August 3, 2023

AHA urges hospital stakeholders to wake up and smell the financial trouble that’s been brewing

The American Hospital Association is sounding the alarm over evidently widespread acceptance of 0% operating margins—or even negative margins—as a sort of “new normal” for U.S. hospitals and health systems.

August 3, 2023

TikTok doc loses medical license after livestreaming procedures on social media

At least 11 patients have come forward regarding severe complications stemming from treatments and procedures completed by "Dr. Roxy."

July 18, 2023

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Tracking private equity: Cardiologist, CEO share perspective on acquisition trends

The ongoing rise of private equity continues to be one of the biggest topics in modern healthcare.

Cardiovascular Business

Private equity in cardiology: 4 key takeaways from a 10-year analysis

Tracking private equity acquisitions can be challenging, but that didn't stop researchers from exploring the last decade of activity in cardiology. "It will be critical to monitor the effects on procedural utilization, quality and outcomes for patients with CVD,” the group wrote.

Cardiovascular Business

Private equity-backed cardiology group puts cloud-based technology in hands of its cardiologists

Cardiovascular Associates of America, backed by Webster Equity Partners, currently includes practices in eight different states. Its partner cardiologists now have preferred access to multiple cloud-based services provided by Athenahealth.