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.

Former CEO indicted for fake medical device implanted in patients

Laura Perryman, the former chief of Florida-based Stimwave, allegedly created a non-functioning “dummy device” that was used to treat patients suffering from chronic pain.

Lawmakers reintroduce radiologist-supported bill to soften the blow of residency debt

The REDI Act would allow physicians-in-training to qualify for interest-free deferment of their student loans while serving in a medical internship or residency program.

Radiology societies ‘extremely disheartened’ over elimination of Medicare coverage for key procedure

Radiologists and pain management specialists are urging CMS to reconsider the decision and maintain access to this alternative to opioids or surgery.

Oversight Committee launches investigation into pharmacy benefit managers

CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRx have been asked to provide documents, communications and information related to their practices.

FDA seeking upwards of $7B for 2024

The Food and Drug Administration has put in for a $7.2 billion chunk of the $6.9 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2024 that President Joe Biden proposed March 9.

FDA to require breast-density notifications from mammography facilities

The administration also is strengthening its ability to oversee imaging providers and enforce standards in the Mammography Quality Standards Act.

Cardiologists warn Biden administration that new policies could put PAD patients at risk

SCAI and the Association of Black Cardiologists have joined forces to share a simple message: PAD patients would be negatively impacted by new CMS proposals.

Paid sick leave mandates lead to higher cancer screening rates

Breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening jumped higher in 61 metropolitan areas that introduced required paid sick leave.

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