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. 

Healthcare fraud cases dip to 18-year low

Although healthcare fraud continues to be a major problem for the healthcare industry there is light at the end of the tunnel as 2016 is projected to have the lowest level of federal prosecutions for healthcare fraud since 1998, according report conducted by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC).

CDC: 34% of adults didn’t visit physician in 2014

The CDC reported a third of adults between 18-64 didn't see a doctor in 2014 and 17 percent didn't have a regular clinic or physician.

2K physicians call for single-payer healthcare

More than 2,000 physicians are publicly backing a plan for new single-payer healthcare system in the U.S., arguing the Affordable Care Act hasn’t gone far enough in increasing access to care.

CMS panel releases proposal for alternative payment models

A CMS advisory panel has released a draft proposal on how certain alternative payment models will be evaluated under the new Medicare reimbursement system.

FDA unveils new regulations on e-cigarettes

The Food and Drug Administration announced the long-awaited rule that allows it to regulate all tobacco products, including cigars, electronic cigarettes, hookahs, personal vaporizers and electronic pipes, reports The Hill.

More moms insured thanks to Affordable Care Act

The Urban Institute released a study examining the effect the opening of the health insurance marketplaces had on the long-term rise in the percentage of uninsured mothers.

CMS may change Medicare Part B proposal after criticisms from Congress

Current plan calls for a five-year pilot program that would change the reimbursement calculation.

Florida doctor convicted of 162 counts of healthcare fraud

A federal jury has convicted Ona Colasante, MD, of 162 counts of health care fraud.

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.