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.

Biden forming nonprofit to focus on cancer issues after leaving White House

Outgoing Vice President Joe Biden will continue to advocate for changes in cancer research and treatment once he leaves political office by creating a new nonprofit organization.

January 5, 2017

Major med groups to Congress: Don’t roll back ACA protections

Five major medical organizations have written to congressional leaders warning a repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would have significant consequences on uninsured rates, coverage for low-income Americans and the affordability of health coverage. 

January 4, 2017

AHIMA Launches Enhanced Membership Model

Features new and expanded benefits and flexibility

January 4, 2017

How a new bill begins path to ACA repeal

On the day the new Congress was sworn in, U.S. Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyoming, introduced legislation which can begin the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

January 4, 2017

Yes man? Trump’s HHS Secretary pick may face tricky confirmation

President-elect Donald Trump’s selection to run HHS is on a list of Cabinet appointees Senate Democrats plan to delay for months, according to the Washington Post.  

January 3, 2017

Plastic surgeons question impact of patient satisfaction ratings

A topic article in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) examines changing regulations on physicians and healthcare facilities. The move to a system of evaluation and ratings leaves the article's authors afraid that some might fear a one-star review as much as treating a patient incorrectly.

January 3, 2017

ACA repeal battle: Dems plan rallies, Trump calls law ‘lousy healthcare’

Democratic leaders in Congress are encouraging their members to hold rallies against Republican plans for eliminating the Affordable Care Act (ACA) under President-elect Donald Trump on the final weekend before his inauguration.

January 3, 2017

Political divisions threaten AMA’s role in healthcare reform

As the next Congress and president debate how to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the American Medical Association finds itself in a weakened position to offer the physician's perspective to healthcare reform.

December 22, 2016

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.