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.

Healthcare industry to be impacted by OSHA's new injury/illness reporting requirements

The new rule on reporting work-related injuries and illnesses is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.

July 18, 2023

HHS launches federal investigation into Cedars-Sinai's treatment of Black mothers

The civil rights probe follows a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Charles Johnson IV after the untimely death of his wife, who had undergone a planned cesarean section in 2016.

July 18, 2023

Medtronic recalls nearly 350,000 implantable heart devices after 22 injuries

The FDA has categorized this as a Class I recall, meaning the use of these devices could cause “serious injuries or death.”

July 18, 2023

fda approves first daily oral birth control

FDA approves first nonprescription daily birth control in US

Opill (norgestrel) is a progestin-only daily oral contraceptive that can be purchased without prescription at drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and online once it becomes available to consumers.

July 13, 2023

artificial intelligence healthcare providers legal

3 AI to-do’s for legally aware healthcare providers

Healthcare providers might be the most underrated of all AI stakeholders. Never mind that close to half of 200 CEOs surveyed believe healthcare is the field in which AI is likely to make the most transformative contribution.

July 13, 2023

Medtronic has received FDA approval for its IN.PACT 018 Paclitaxel-Coated Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) Balloon Catheter. FDA clears new drug eluting balloon, drug-coated balloon.

FDA says treating PAD with paclitaxel-coated devices does not increase mortality risk

After warning healthcare providers about a heightened risk of mortality back in 2019, the FDA has now updated its stance on the use of these devices.

July 11, 2023

Coverage is now available for new Alzheimer's drug

In a July 6 announcement, CMS shared that coverage is officially available for Leqembi for those who meet certain criteria.

July 7, 2023

President Biden cracks down on short-term health plans, calls them 'junk insurance'

The proposed rule would require that short-term plans are truly short-term and are active for just three months.

July 7, 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.