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.

HHS sued over RFK’s $11B cuts to infectious disease control
The Department of Health and Human Services is refusing to allocate funds meant to support state and local healthcare initiatives, as the money stemmed from now-defunct COVID-19 control efforts. A coalition of municipalities is suing to lift the block.
FDA announces new recall of Abbott heart pump accessories over significant safety risks
The mobile power units of certain HeartMate 3 and HeartMate II LVADs have been experiencing “sudden, unexpected performance issues” such as turning on, off or even restarting with no warning. These issues can potentially be fatal, according to an alert shared by the FDA.
‘Innovative’ pay model eliminates cost uncertainty for breast and lung cancer screening patients
Experts have proposed “episode-based cost sharing” to address financial toxicity for healthcare consumers, according to new research published in JACR.
Rad tech advocates recognized for their work fighting scope creep in 2 states
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists this week gave its 2025 Awards for Advocacy to both Diane Kosenko, with Radiology Associates of Hartford, Conn., and its Minnesota affiliate.
Congressmen propose bill to address patient safety loophole in medical imaging
Reps. Don Davis, Morgan Griffith and Ben Cline recently introduced the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act of 2025.

Antibiotic recalled due to risk of endocarditis, other life-threatening infections

According to an advisory on the FDA’s website, there is a “reasonable probability” that any immunocompromised patients exposed to the affected antibiotic could develop a life-threatening infection.

Industry groups applaud bill connecting Medicare payments to inflation

Healthcare groups are applauding a bill in the House of Representatives that would ensure Medicare payments are tied to inflation.

CMS finalizes reforms to address prior authorization problem that has plagued radiology

“People with Medicare deserve to ... be able to get the care they need without excessive burden or delays," the agency's deputy administrator said.

Cano Health leadership team in disarray after directors resign

Billionaire Barry Sternlicht, founder and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, was one of the board members who resigned.

Johnson & Johnson offers nearly $9B to settle talc lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson has offered to pony up $8.9 billion over 25 years to settle all current and future claims that its talc baby powder contained asbestos and caused cancer to some consumers. It is one of the largest consumer liability settlements in history.

Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 glucose monitor

Abbott warns that device batteries may overheat or catch fire

The company emphasized that the issues are quite rare. No devices are being recalled, and it is not recommended that customers stop using them.

American College of Radiology ‘deeply concerned’ by ruling striking down key ACA provision

Others such as the AMA and the American Lung Association similarly blasted the decision, which could jeopardize coverage for preventative care.

Deductibles discourage patients from receiving recommended imaging, new survey charges

Such behaviors may lead to delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment and adverse outcomes, experts wrote Tuesday in Radiology.

Policy & Regulations

HHS sued over RFK’s $11B cuts to infectious disease control

FDA announces new recall of Abbott heart pump accessories over significant safety risks

‘Innovative’ pay model eliminates cost uncertainty for breast and lung cancer screening patients

Rad tech advocates recognized for their work fighting scope creep in 2 states

Congressmen propose bill to address patient safety loophole in medical imaging