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.

Over 300 groups urge Senate GOP to reject Medicaid cuts
In an open letter, advocacy groups said the budget proposal passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would “shred our nation’s social safety net.”
HHS to cut 10,000 jobs during 'dramatic restructuring'
The agency said it plans to reduce staff by 25% and consolidate 28 divisions into 15. However, it said Medicare and Medicaid will remain operational.
Trump selects GOP general counsel for HHS Inspector General
Thomas March Bell has been officially nominated and now faces the Senate for confirmation. Bell has a decades-long history working as a Republican staffer.
ACC urges RFK Jr. to make Medicare reform a priority, warns against mass layoffs
The American College of Cardiology has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlines some of the organization’s central priorities and concerns.
ISIS is not launching terrorist attacks against hospitals, FBI says
Trade groups released a statement denying the claim's credibility, but they fear some may be inspired by a widely shared social media post.

Biosense Webster, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, shared updated data on its Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system at AF Symposium 2024 in Boston,

Johnson & Johnson resumes PFA rollout after stopping to review safety concerns

Johnson & Johnson MedTech has resumed the U.S. rollout of its Varipulse PFA system, sharing new warnings to help physicians.

Thousands of staff cut from federal health agencies, including CDC and VA

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues to push officials to release workers—and more layoffs could be on the horizon.

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.”

Superbowl GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Nonprofit academic hospital receives criticism after running Super Bowl ad

U.S. House Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), scolded the CEO of NYU Langone for buying the expensive ad, requesting in an open letter that the hospital release financial data related to its cost.

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

4 important AMA insights into physician thinking on, behavior with healthcare AI

Two in five practicing physicians are equal parts enthused over and worried about AI in healthcare. That’s the same ratio the American Medical Association turned up the last time it conducted its Physician Sentiment Survey.

Senate confirms vaccine skeptic RFK as HHS secretary

Kennedy was confirmed in a 52-48 that mostly came down along party lines, with one noteworthy exception.

healthcare money economics dollar stethoscope acquire merger

Mexico, not China, is biggest tariff concern among radiology vendors

If 25% tariffs go into effect, it could have a big impact on the cost of medical imaging and radiotherapy systems, with many manufacturing facilities in Mexico.

ACC Vice President Christopher Kramer, MD, FACC, offers an update on the creation of a new cardiovascular board.

Final decision on the creation of a new cardiovascular board expected soon

U.S. cardiology groups have worked together to propose the creation of a new American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine for certifying cardiologists. Now, after many months of waiting, a final decision is expected by the end of February.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

ACC urges RFK Jr. to make Medicare reform a priority, warns against mass layoffs

The American College of Cardiology has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlines some of the organization’s central priorities and concerns.

Radiology Business

FDA announces recall of Medtronic interventional radiology devices after 17 injuries, 4 deaths

One product is being pulled from the market, and the other is receiving updated instructions for use.

AI in Healthcare

What federal regulators can learn from the states about AI oversight

If the Trump administration continues taking a laissez-faire stance toward AI—including AI used in healthcare—why not let the states go it alone on regulating the technology?