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.

American Society for Radiation Oncology urges CMS to end virtual supervision of radiotherapy

"I'm struggling to understand the Luddite-level myopia around this topic," one radiation oncologist shared on social media.

Cognitive impairment among heart failure patients: How cardiologists can help

The Heart Failure Society of America shared a new scientific statement about this topic, noting that many patients may require additional help.

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CMS offers advance payment to physicians amid Change Healthcare ‘crisis’

Part B suppliers experiencing claims disruptions due to the cyberattack can apply to the agency for potential relief.

An Illinois appellate judge upheld a pervious trial victory that cleared and central Illinois cardiologist Amit Dande, MD, and Prairie Cardiovascular Consults LLP of alleged misdiagnosis of the severity of a patient's heart condition that led to his death prior to a schedule percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Radiologist prevails in malpractice case alleging ultrasound misread led to patient’s infertility

Defense attorneys say the case boils down to challenges reading the exam, which was “complex with subtle findings that the experts simply interpreted differently.”

FDA votes in support of benefit-risk profile for Lumisight imaging agent

Use of Lumisight in conjunction with the Lumicell fluorescent imaging system was found to be safe and effectively guide breast cancer surgeries.

FDA highlights mammography issues at 3 radiology practices, posing ‘serious risk to human health’

The agency on March 5 issued separate alerts detailing quality challenges at imaging providers in Michigan, California and Texas.

Abbott recalls device for tracking LVAD data after 8 injuries

This is a Class I recall, which means using the device “may cause serious injuries or death.” However, the FDA emphasized that this is a correction and not a product removal.

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ACC, SCAI say new funding bill did not do enough to limit Medicare reimbursement cuts to cardiology services

President Joe Biden signed a funding bill worth $460 billion on March 9, but it only included partial relief for cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other cardiology professionals.

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