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.

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.
Walmart workers sue over tobacco fees levied for health plan trust
The class action lawsuit argues employees cannot escape the fees even after they stop using tobacco, a violation of labor regulations.
HHS awards $75M for addiction and maternal health services in rural areas
The funds will be used to expand services and improve the financial stability of existing healthcare organizations located in underserved regions of the South.

HIMSS 2017: Q&A with CEO of Physicians for Fair Coverage on why doctors favor limiting ‘surprise’ bills

At the state level, one of the hottest policy topics discussed at HIMSS 2017 in Orlando was legislation on so-called “surprise” medical bills incurred when a patient unexpectedly receives care from an out-of-network physician.

February 27, 2017

ACA repeal plan leaks, but Trump may offer different version in speech to Congress

President Donald Trump is expected to lay out some details on his favored plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while parts of the House Republicans’ newest proposal leaked out, revealing it would eliminate subsidies for buying insurance and the expansion of Medicaid.

February 27, 2017

CMS issues extension to non-ACA compliant plans

New guidance on insurance standards were issued Feb. 23 by CMS that give another extension to health plans that are non-compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the fourth extension of its kind.

February 24, 2017

While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains at the center of political discussions about repeal and/or replace, the healthcare law continues to climb in popularity, according to recent polls.

February 24, 2017

Looming ACA repeal threatens community health centers

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) significantly increased reimbursement for community health clinics because more patients had health insurance. Now, with increased discussion of repealing the ACA, these facilities face an uncertain future.

February 24, 2017

CMS will allocate $100 million to train small practices

Last week, CMS awarded approximately $100 million to 11 organizations to provide training and education about the Quality Payment Program in practices of 15 or fewer clinicians, according to a statement from CMS.

February 23, 2017

HIMSS 2017: Former House speaker calls ACA repeal 'happy talk'

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner delivered a keynote address at HIMSS 2017 where he claimed a repeal of the Affortable Care Act was unlikely. Legislation would be more directed at fixing problems with the ACA, he said, instead of the repeal-and-replace approach advocated by President Donald Trump.

February 23, 2017

HIMSS 2017: Four pillars of social media governance

In healthcare, social media is a much more serious affair than a few tweets and Instagram posts. The governance of such activity in healthcare is crucial in the protection of patient data and compliance with HIPAA. Nelly Jacobo, director of digital strategy at Cedars-Sinai, and Melody Smith Jones, manager of Connected Health at Perficient, discussed the four pillars of social media governance at HIMSS 2017.

February 20, 2017

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.