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 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.
FDA issues recall on infusion pump parts due to risk of uncontrollable drug flow
Due to a risk of fatal overdose, the recall is labeled as the most serious of its type. While no patients have died, two have reportedly been injured.

‘Uncertainty’ among insurers over Trump’s ACA plans

Insurance companies are worried plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may create the very “death spiral” opponents of the law have claimed is already happening.

November 16, 2016

Measles deaths falling despite some objections to vaccines

A new study shows the number of deaths caused by measles has fallen by 79 percent worldwide since 2000, The New York Times reports.

November 15, 2016

Obama, Burwell defend ACA after Trump’s win

President Barack Obama and HHS Sylvia Burwell took time to weigh in on plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in some of their first comments since Donald Trump’s surprising win in the Nov. 8 presidential election.

November 15, 2016

4 contenders for Trump’s HHS Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has outlined healthcare changes, particularly the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as one of the top priorities of his administration, so his pick to run HHS will be a crucial indicator of how quickly and cleanly he may proceed with his repeal-and-replace promises.

November 15, 2016

Should medical device reps be in the OR?

Medical device representatives are a part of the operating room team as quick references when surgeons are using specific products, but concerns have been raised about the influence of these individuals.

November 15, 2016

Medicare overhaul could be part of Congress’s ACA repeal

With Donald Trump winning the presidency and Republicans controlling both houses of Congress, the odds favor a repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Whatever replaces it may also address what House Speaker Paul Ryan calls “serious problems” in Medicare.

November 14, 2016

Trump hints at ACA compromise

In his first interview since winning the presidency, President-elect Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal he favors keep certain popular portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), though he campaigned on a promise to fully repeal the law.

November 11, 2016

Surge in ACA enrollment following election

More than 100,000 people signed up for coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace the day after the presidential election.

November 11, 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.