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.

Rural America lost 3,300 medical practices in five years, report shows
A data analysis from the Physicians Advocacy Institute and Avalere Health found corporate buyouts are leaving patients in low-population areas with fewer options, as doctors are opting to go elsewhere.
CMS proposes Medicare coverage for T-TEER
CMS has proposed covering tricuspid TEER for patients who present with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation despite optimal medical therapy. The agency still has questions about the available data, however, and is seeking public comments as it makes its final decision.
Healthcare AI newswatch: Fail-fast AI skunk works, writerly doctors avoiding AI scribes, more
Is trial and error any way for a sprawling health system to roll out AI? Duke Health’s chief medical information officer believes so.
FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners
The FTC has back-burnered its price collusion case against CVS Caremark, Optum Rx and Express Scripts after significant staff departures at the agency left it uncertain how to proceed.
Dr. Oz confirmed by Senate to lead CMS in a 53-45 vote
The confirmation vote mostly fell on party lines. The Emmy-award-winning TV personality will replace Chiquita W. Brooks-LaSure, who has held the position since 2021.

bipartisan house task force on artificial intelligence

About that bipartisan $32B ‘roadmap’ for AI policy: What’s in it for healthcare?

This week Washington took a major step toward nailing down a solid game plan on federal AI spending for everything outside of defense.

FDA grants breakthrough device designation to new TMVR device from 4C Medical

The supra-annular AltaValve System was designed to treat both primary and secondary mitral regurgitation. It is implanted via transseptal access and positioned above the native mitral valve.

FDA set to evaluate use of ‘ecstasy’ for treating PTSD

The party drug could soon be prescribed, in conjunction with psychological interventions, as a treatment for mental health disorders.

Profound Medical prostate ablation contouring assistant

Prostate ablation AI 'contouring assistant' lands FDA clearance

The new module is a machine learning-based segmentation tool that further enhances procedural planning.

FDA announces another new recall involving Abbott’s HeartMate 3 LVADs after 70 injuries, 2 deaths

Abbott issued the new recall after receiving more than 80 reports of blood or air entering the LVAD during implant procedures. Customers can still use these devices, but they are advised to follow specific steps to limit the risk of complications.

World Health Organization urges countries to limit salt intake to reduce risk of CVD, hypertension

The group wants countries to implement population-wide changes that can keep salt intake to a minimum. It estimates that such policies could save up to 900,000 lives in just a few years.

court judge gavel business man bankruptcy lawsuit

Private equity firm, accused of trying to build a monopoly in radiology, dismissed as defendant in FTC lawsuit

The commission sued Welsh Carson in September, claiming the New York investment outfit and US Anesthesia Partners have perpetrated an “anticompetive scheme” to drive up prices.

layoffs staff cuts termination workforce

National Labor Relations Board claims RadNet skirted order to rehire laid off union worker

The Los Angeles-based imaging center operator issued a statement disputing the ruling and highlighting plans to fight it in court.

Policy & Regulations

Rural America lost 3,300 medical practices in five years, report shows

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for T-TEER

Healthcare AI newswatch: Fail-fast AI skunk works, writerly doctors avoiding AI scribes, more

FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners

Dr. Oz confirmed by Senate to lead CMS in a 53-45 vote