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. 

Congress Senate Washington D.C. DC

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact

The 940-page document passed the House of Representatives in a 218 to 214 vote, and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. It contains a 20% cut to federal Medicaid funding, something Trump said he opposes. 

Russia China AI in healthcare

Russian researcher strategizes on collaboration with China over healthcare AI

Have you ever wondered what China and Russia would talk about if they were to discuss AI in healthcare? It turns out they do just that—and a newly published academic paper straight out of the Russian Federation offers a glimpse into the dialogue.  

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Automated Impella Controller

FDA shares warning after Johnson & Johnson heart pump controllers linked to 3 deaths

Johnson & Johnson MedTech has received reports of its Automated Impella Controller failing to connect properly with Impella heart pumps. If this happens, the FDA warned, it may put patients at risk.

Medicare Money dollar payment reimbursement

103K Medicare beneficiaries issued new IDs after ‘data incident’ at CMS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said “malicious actors” created fake accounts for Medicare beneficiaries through the agency’s patient portal, using stolen data from an unknown source. The incident is being investigated. 

the words "FDA recall" on a board

FDA announces recall of Baxter infusion pumps with mismatched software

Spectrum V8 and V6 infusion pumps may have accidentally had their software switched, which could result in underinfusion or a fluid overload. While no injuries have been reported, for safety the affected pumps need to be removed from where they are used and sold. 

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DOJ announces 324 arrests in $14.6B healthcare fraud crackdown

Of those arrested, 96 are doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers. All face charges related to telehealth prescriptions, illegal opioid distribution and fraudulent billing practices.

What can federal health agencies do to revive the fading trust of the public?

Confidence in public health entities is spiraling downward in the U.S., and once-revered Washington institutions like the CDC and NIH are among the casualties in serious condition. How to break the negative momentum?

vaccination

AAP, other physician societies double down on Kennedy-crossing vaccination stance

5 high-profile physician leaders: ‘Misinformation, politicization of commonsense public health efforts and sudden changes to federal vaccine guidance are creating mass confusion and diminishing trust in public health.’

Around the web

While Kardium raised $250 million in an oversubscribed funding round, Field Medical raised $35 million. Both companies are focused on designing and developing new pulsed field ablation technologies to help treat challenging arrhythmias. 

Johnson & Johnson MedTech has received reports of its Automated Impella Controller failing to connect properly with Impella heart pumps. If this happens, the FDA warned, it may put patients at risk.

Vascular Technology, first founded 40 years ago, is planning on using the new funds to grow and expand its portfolio.