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.

Over 300 groups urge Senate GOP to reject Medicaid cuts
In an open letter, advocacy groups said the budget proposal passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would “shred our nation’s social safety net.”
HHS to cut 10,000 jobs during 'dramatic restructuring'
The agency said it plans to reduce staff by 25% and consolidate 28 divisions into 15. However, it said Medicare and Medicaid will remain operational.
Trump selects GOP general counsel for HHS Inspector General
Thomas March Bell has been officially nominated and now faces the Senate for confirmation. Bell has a decades-long history working as a Republican staffer.
ACC urges RFK Jr. to make Medicare reform a priority, warns against mass layoffs
The American College of Cardiology has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlines some of the organization’s central priorities and concerns.
ISIS is not launching terrorist attacks against hospitals, FBI says
Trade groups released a statement denying the claim's credibility, but they fear some may be inspired by a widely shared social media post.

FDA announces recall of Medtronic interventional radiology devices after 17 injuries, 4 deaths

One product is being pulled from the market, and the other is receiving updated instructions for use.

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare equity equality disparities

Will AI help or hurt the cause of healthcare equality?

AI has a long way to go before it meaningfully closes disparities in healthcare access and delivery. In fact, even when aimed at that goal, the technology can backfire.

Veterans Affairs ends gender-affirming care for new trans patients

The agency said it will no longer offer hormone therapy to veterans with gender dysphoria, unless they are already receiving it.

HHS, VA rehiring 5,000 workers after court halts DOGE purge

Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s mass firings have been temporarily halted by an injunction, resulting in 18 federal agencies being ordered to rehire over 24,000 workers.

Video of Dave Dixon explaining the impact of first FDA approval of a generic DOAC.

FDA clears first generic versions of rivaroxaban—what it means for patient care

Dave Dixon, PharmD, explored the short- and long-term impact of these approvals, noting that they could help reduce costs down the line.

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

What federal regulators can learn from the states about AI oversight

If the Trump administration continues taking a laissez-faire stance toward AI—including AI used in healthcare—why not let the states go it alone on regulating the technology?

noncompete contract clause employment pen sign

Arkansas bans noncompetes for all physicians

A new law amends existing regulations that allowed competitors to issue noncompetes within a specific area. The blanket ban goes into effect July 2025.

Ahead of Senate confirmation hearing, Dr. Oz asked to abandon ‘conflicts of interest’

Sen. Elizabeth Warren requests Dr. Oz divest from healthcare stocks and make a commitment to avoid lobbying gigs after he leaves his prospective role as administrator of CMS.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

ACC urges RFK Jr. to make Medicare reform a priority, warns against mass layoffs

The American College of Cardiology has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlines some of the organization’s central priorities and concerns.

Radiology Business

FDA announces recall of Medtronic interventional radiology devices after 17 injuries, 4 deaths

One product is being pulled from the market, and the other is receiving updated instructions for use.

AI in Healthcare

What federal regulators can learn from the states about AI oversight

If the Trump administration continues taking a laissez-faire stance toward AI—including AI used in healthcare—why not let the states go it alone on regulating the technology?