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.

FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners
The FTC has put its price collusion case against CVS Caremark, Optum Rx and Express Scripts on hold 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.
Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation
Researchers tracked patient outcomes through the use of 15 performance measures related to hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Bill that would require providers report extravasations of radioactive drugs is back on the House floor
Patient advocacy groups say the proposal "is common-sense legislation that will protect patients."
Patients eligible for both breast and lung cancer screening are getting mammograms while ditching low-dose CT in droves
This finding underlines the need for interventions to increase LCS awareness and address common barriers such as confusing eligibility criteria.

Biden’s budget: Extend Medicare solvency through higher taxes on rich, more drug price changes

Biden says his proposals are an extension of what he has already accomplished to reduce the deficit and lower healthcare spending.

American College of Radiology urges CMS to resume dispute resolutions under surprise-billing act

Failure to act could prove detrimental to physicians and their patients, ACR and similar groups representing anesthesiologists and emergency providers argued.

Bills to expand nonphysicians’ scope of practice ‘rampant’ across US, American College of Radiology says

ACR labeled one recently opposed bill in South Dakota as "harmful" and "dangerous," with similar measures in the works elsewhere.

layoffs staff cuts termination workforce

Akorn Pharmaceuticals shuts down, lays off all employees

In a sudden "shock," Akorn Pharmaceuticals is closing all U.S. sites and laying off its entire workforce after failing to find a potential buyer.

FTC fines BetterHelp $7.8M, says the company 'betrayed' users for profit

BetterHelp is in hot water after the Federal Trade Commission slapped the online counseling service company with a $7.8 million fine and a proposed ban from sharing consumers’ health data.

Bipartisan bill aims to boost Medicare patients’ access to diagnostic imaging agents

The Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023 would eliminate barriers to nuclear medicine, supporters charged.

The Millipede 088 Access Catheter. Image courtesy of Perfuze. FDA clearance.

Regulatory Roundup: FDA clears 2 new solutions, declines to approve omecamtiv mecarbil for HFrEF

Read our monthly recap of FDA-related news items from the world of cardiovascular medicine.

‘Tremendous setback’: Imaging advocate blasts CMS decision on Alzheimer’s care

The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance challenged Medicare's limited coverage for beta-amyloid PET, used to help identify those at risk.

Policy & Regulations

FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners

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

Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation

Bill that would require providers report extravasations of radioactive drugs is back on the House floor

Patients eligible for both breast and lung cancer screening are getting mammograms while ditching low-dose CT in droves