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. 

Zika funding unsettled after House, Senate pass different bills

The Senate approved $1.1 billion in funding to federal agencies for anti-Zika virus efforts a day after the House passed its own $622 million bill, setting up negotiations between the two chambers.

United Healthcare not required to give time limits notice

A judge has granted United Healthcare’s motion to partially dismiss a participant's claim to recover benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

Johns Hopkins to stop surgical training with live animals

John Hopkins University School of Medicine announced it will no longer use live pigs to train surgical students, leaving the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as the only medical school in the U.S. or Canada to allow the practice.

New Medicare bill would adjust readmissions program, outpatient payments

New legislation introduced in the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee contains several changes for Medicare policies most affecting hospitals, including allowing “mid-build” off-campus outpatient facilities to be reimbursed at current rates under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS).

Bringing the 'entrepreneurial spirit' to American healthcare

Susannah Fox, the chief technology officer of the Department of Health and Human Services, recently shared her efforts and advice on encouraging innovation in the healthcare space.

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Physicians sue HHS over out-of-network payments

A lawsuit against HHS from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) claims the current regulations allow insurers to underpay for emergency services when the hospital is out-of-network.

Vermont may be first state to require drugmakers explain price increases

Legislation waiting for the signature of Vermont’s governor would make the state the first to require pharmaceutical manufacturers to justify raising drug prices.

NH, AZ join interstate licensing compact

The two states have enacted legislation adopting the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and another three may soon be joining.

Around the web

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.