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.

How the ACA has aided gunshot victims

Since Medicaid was expanded under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many patients wounded by gunshots have received treatment they needed, something they couldn’t access before—and a benefit that may be taken away if President-elect Donald Trump’s administration dismantles the ACA.

November 30, 2016

ACA, MACRA critic Tom Price is Trump’s pick for HHS Secretary

Rep. Tom Price, MD, R-Georgia, will be appointed to run HHS by President-elect Donald Trump, giving the administration’s top healthcare post to a staunch proponent of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

November 29, 2016

Reworked '21st Century Cures Act' to get vote in House

A new version of legislation aimed at speeding up regulatory approval for medical devices and drugs will get a vote in the House this week.

November 28, 2016

HHS Secretary: ACA repeal without replacement could cause chaos

If the Republican-controlled Congress goes ahead with a plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) while delaying its replacement, the result could be “very, very damaging” to the health insurance market, according to HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell. 

November 22, 2016

How Medicaid spending limits or block grants could affect care

Both the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and Republican leaders in Congress have discussed turning Medicaid into block grants managed by states, but such a major shift in funding could reduce eligibility and coverage under the program.

November 21, 2016

Trump may be kinder to healthcare mergers—to a point

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to eliminate government regulations of business, which could affect how his administration tackles issues of consolidation among health insurers and hospitals.

November 21, 2016

ACP promises to oppose Trump if policies hurt physicians

The American College of Physicians (ACP) said it sees both opportunities and challenges to working with President-elect Donald Trump, according to a post-election letter to its members.

November 18, 2016

ACA repeal could start in January, liberal group warns it would ‘unravel’ market

Republicans in Congress are aiming to start eliminating aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its regulations on “Day 1” of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

November 17, 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.