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.

FTC sues PBMs and GPOs for insulin price collusion
In a statement announcing its lawsuit, the FTC said Caremark, Optum RX and Express Scripts benefit from manufacturer rebates and ignore lower-costing drugs as a way to artificially increase prices.
FTC sues drug middlemen over insulin prices, puts others on notice
The FTC alleges that pharmacy benefit managers have set up a system where they get rich, while patients are forced to pay rising insulin costs. The agency also called out drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, saying their own actions have raised serious concerns.
Study ranks US health system dead last among wealthy nations
Low rankings for accessibility and outcomes earned the country the overall lowest ranking in an analysis of healthcare systems across 10 nations.
Landmark opioid trial in Baltimore set to begin; Johnson & Johnson settles to avoid jury
Six companies have settled with the city for as total of over $402M. Two remaining defendants, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen, will test their luck in court.
Coalition of 86 healthcare groups calls for change to Affordable Care Act rule
In a letter to Congress, the groups are urging lawmakers to support HR 9001 and lift the ban on physician-run hospitals.

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

Healthcare.gov sets enrollment record despite repeal threat

400,000 more people bought health plans through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace in 2016 than 2015, according to the final open enrollment figures released by HHS for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2017.

December 21, 2016

CMS finalizes cardiac, orthopedic bundles and MSSP ACO Track 1+

Additional opportunities for Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs) are now available, as CMS has finalized a number of policies on bundled payments and a new accountable care organization model.

December 21, 2016

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

FTC sues drug middlemen over insulin prices, puts others on notice

The FTC alleges that pharmacy benefit managers have set up a system where they get rich, while patients are forced to pay rising insulin costs. The agency also called out drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, saying their own actions have raised serious concerns.

Cardiovascular Business

Cath lab techs and nurses see new normal with post-COVID pay

In the post-COVID era, wages for permanent RNs are rising, and wages for travelers are decreasing. A new report tracked these trends and more.

Cardiovascular Business

Merit Medical to purchase Cook Medical’s lead management portfolio for $210M

Two medical device companies have announced a transaction that could shake up the U.S. electrophysiology market.