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.

Report: UnitedHealth under investigation by DOJ for Medicare Advantage upcoding
According to the Wall Street Journal, federal authorities are probing claims that the insurer billed health programs for billions of dollars in undelivered patient care.
FDA approves first therapy for very rare lipid storage disorder
Ctexli (chenodiol) can now be prescribed to patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, a condition caused by a genetic mutation that leads to cholesterol buildup around vital organs.
FDA announces Class I recall of Boston Scientific pacemakers—replacement may be necessary
These safety issues have been linked to more than 800 injuries and two deaths. It is possible, the FDA warned, that some patients may require a device to be removed and replaced.
FDA ends semaglutide shortage, closing the door on compounded Wegovy, Ozempic
The years-long shortage of Wegovy and Ozempic, two popular prescription-only semaglutide injections, is officially over.
American Heart Association highlights importance of NIH as battle over Trump funding cuts continues
“Now more than ever, we must recognize that our country’s leadership in groundbreaking medical research spurs scientific innovation, improves public health and creates new innovations that save and improve lives nationwide,” Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD, explained in a statement.

Report: Hospitals' long-term approach to healthcare reform underwhelming

Despite recognizing that success with new healthcare delivery and reimbursement models will depend on commitments to quality, service and efficiency, hospitals havent done enough to prepare for ongoing and planned healthcare initiatives, according to a report by Towers Watson, a financial management firm.

Cigna partners with Weill Cornell to form ACO

Cigna and the Weill Cornell Physician Organization, an 850-member group practice in New York City, are partnering to create a collaborative accountable care organization (ACO) initiative, which will adopt a healthcare delivery model similar to the ones demonstrated by accountable care organizations and patient-centered medical homes.

Health Affairs: More light shed on healthcare reform's day in Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is filling its entire court calendar the week of March 26 with arguments relating to the impending review of the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA); totaling five and a half hours over three days with a decision expected in late June.

HHS relaxes state requirements in healthcare reform law

The Department of Health and Human Services released a bulletin Dec. 15, outlining proposed policies that will give states more flexibility and freedom to implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

American Heart Association highlights importance of NIH as battle over Trump funding cuts continues

“Now more than ever, we must recognize that our country’s leadership in groundbreaking medical research spurs scientific innovation, improves public health and creates new innovations that save and improve lives nationwide,” Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD, explained in a statement.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologist questions FDA’s approval process for high-risk medical devices

The technology used to diagnose, treat and manage cardiovascular disease is always evolving, keeping FDA officials quite busy. But have the agency's standards been slipping in recent years? A cardiologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explored that very question.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA announces new recall of Johnson & Johnson heart pumps over safety concerns

No devices need to be returned at this time. However, the FDA warned, using these heart pumps without reviewing the updated instructions could result in "serious injury or death.”