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.

FDA details Class I recalls for more than 1 million pacemakers—software update required
The FDA has finalized new Class I recalls related to ongoing safety concerns with Boston Scientific’s Accolade family of pacemakers. A software update is now available to help address the issue, and an additional update is already in the works.
House Republicans propose reviving shelved imaging appropriate-use criteria program
Reps. Diana Harshbarger and Blake Moore recently introduced the Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act after bipartisan members of the U.S. Senate did the same in May.
Certificate-of-need law forcing referrers to send patients across state border for radiology services
Massachusetts primary care providers are reportedly sending patients to imaging centers in New Hampshire, which lacks a CON law and offers more affordable options.
600 CDC employees laid off as 700 others mistakenly receive termination notices
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the additional notices were sent in error. A union representing federal workers is challenging the firings, arguing that President Donald Trump lacks the authority to permanently eliminate jobs during a government shutdown.
HHS permanently cuts 1,200 jobs in response to government shutdown
President Donald Trump said the shutdown was an opportunity to cut more federal jobs, and it appears he’s made good on that threat. HHS confirmed that reduction-in-force notices were sent to “nonessential” workers as the agency moves to bare-bones operations.

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

90% of voters polled agree health insurers should cover all recommended breast imaging

A coalition of organizations including the Society of Breast Imaging are seeking support for the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act.

California passes law to regulate private equity activity in healthcare

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 351, which improves regulatory oversight of dental and physician clinics owned by investment firms.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted pre-market approval (PMA) clearance for Zoll Zenix defibrillator-monitor for EMS and hospital use. It incorporates new technology and features based on years of user feedback.

FDA approves Zoll's newest defibrillator-monitor

The device, based on years of user feedback, is now cleared for use in both EMS and hospital settings.

New expert guidelines examine the use of temporary MCS during heart surgery

Three leading medical societies collaborated on the new document, providing detailed recommendations that cover a wide variety of technologies and clinical scenarios.

Radiology groups endorse bipartisan bill to boost specialist counts in rural areas

ACR, SIR and ASTRO are voicing their support for the Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act, introduced in both the House and Senate.

Missouri state house capitol Jefferson City

Planned Parenthood sues to block Missouri’s request for abortion records

The Missouri attorney general has demanded details on patient care, communications between providers and pregnant women, maintenance records and more in an effort to identify state residents who have sought abortions.

Lisa Miller, JD, former deputy assistant attorney general U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Criminal Division, a former principal assistant deputy chief of the DOJ healthcare fraud unit, and now a partner in the legal firm Sidley Austin LLP, explains what the DOJ is looking for in Medicare fraud cases.

What the DOJ looks for to spot healthcare fraud

Former principal assistant deputy chief of the U.S. Department of Justice's Healthcare Fraud Unit, Lisa Miller, explains what the DOJ is looking for in healthcare fraud cases.

Pushback against Trump's $100K visa fee continues with new lawsuit

As a new lawsuit targets the unpopular policy, the American College of Cardiology and other medical societies worry that $100,000 fees will make the ongoing physician shortage much worse.

Policy & Regulations

FDA details Class I recalls for more than 1 million pacemakers—software update required

House Republicans propose reviving shelved imaging appropriate-use criteria program

Certificate-of-need law forcing referrers to send patients across state border for radiology services

600 CDC employees laid off as 700 others mistakenly receive termination notices

HHS permanently cuts 1,200 jobs in response to government shutdown