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.

White House to end civil service protections for 50,000 federal workers
President Donald Trump's administration said an executive order to implement Schedule F, to make it easier to fire federal works that don't align with its agenda of "draining the swamp," is forthcoming.
Proposed HHS budget would close NINR, cut nursing programs
The American Nurses Association is warning that eliminating support for the training and research offered by the National Institute of Nursing Research could be devastating to the public, as many programs support specialties such as maternal and mental health.
FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns
A catheter sheath detached during use and was left in the patient’s body. It was successfully removed, but the FDA said it is now evaluating the potential risk to others going forward. There is no official recall at this time.
FDA clears new cold cathode tomosynthesis system
Cold cathode tubes make for smaller systems that are lighter in weight and require less energy to operate, also resulting in decreased costs.
Arkansas the 30th state to pass legislation bolstering coverage for breast imaging
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Senate Bill 123 into law on April 14 following its passage by the state legislature, weeks after Virginia passed a similar bill.

‘Legal looting’: Watchdog highlights markets most impacted by private equity’s growing reach in radiology, other specialties

The Private Equity Stakeholder Project’s new State Risk Index is calculated based on 16 unique indicators.

Drug price dialogues represent ‘an opportunity for CMS to clarify negotiation policies and their potential impact for the future’

CMS must ensure transparency, clarity and predictability by providing detailed guidance on comparator drug selection and the evaluation of evidence, according to a group of D.C.-based health policy researchers.

Watchdog group calls out risks associated with private equity in cardiology, other specialties

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, an outspoken critic of private equity's influence, praised the group's efforts. "Together, we’re taking on this trillion-dollar, behemoth industry that’s hurting working people and sucking money out of the rest of the economy," she said.

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Senate Finance Committee plans hearing to discuss radiologist Medicare payment reform

The American College of Radiology praised the hearing as a potential first step to address inadequate reimbursement levels under the federal payment program.

Radiology practice participation in payment-related survey is ‘urgently needed,’ ACR says

The American Medical Association has sent its study to thousands of members of the specialty but only received seven responses, ACR says.

Spurred by radiology M&A deal, US senators aim to curb ‘corporate greed’ in healthcare

UnitedHealth recently announced plans to purchase Steward Medical Group, a multispecialty radiology provider that spans nine states, after private equity owners left it financially hamstrung.

FDA announces new recall of neurovascular catheters built by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary

The recall is due to ongoing concerns about the devices breaking. Three patients have been injured as a result of this issue.

Policy & Regulations

White House to end civil service protections for 50,000 federal workers

Proposed HHS budget would close NINR, cut nursing programs

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns

FDA clears new cold cathode tomosynthesis system

Arkansas the 30th state to pass legislation bolstering coverage for breast imaging