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 put its price collusion case against CVS Caremark, Optum Rx and Express Scripts on hold after major firings at the agency has left it unsure 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.

Swedish total artificial heart tech granted FDA’s humanitarian use designation

Realheart celebrated the news, noting that multiple preclinical trials focused on the technology's safety and effectiveness are currently underway.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Last week’s blastoff of the Chinese AI company DeepSeek struck many like a cold bucket of water in the face.

FDA warns of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in patient monitors

The agency said Contec and Epsimed monitors connected via WiFi are particularly susceptible to cyberattack and could be used to gain access to hospital systems.

Medicare Advantage faces criticism for administrative burdens, pushing doctors to opt out

Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Senior Vice of Government Affairs, Anders Gilberg, explains the frustration surrounding the Medicare Advantage program.

Blood pressure drug recalled due to black contaminants—FDA highlights safety risks

The recall was put in place after a customer discovered “visible black particulate matter” in a sealed vial. If the contaminant enters a patient's blood vessels, it could lead to serious complications, including a stroke or even death.

ACR shares guidance to help members deal with confusing White House executive orders

A string of executive orders from the White House created serious concerns among radiologists and other healthcare providers throughout the United States. The American College of Radiology issued a statement to help guide its members through the chaos.

Trump backtracks on federal funding pause after Medicaid chaos

A federal judge also halted the order, which instructed federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance."

New radiotracers outperform FDA-approved agent for detection of tau tangles.

Radiotracers on FDA’s fast track exceed performance of already approved tau-detecting agent

If approved, the two agents could offer providers greater insight into the process of patients’ neurodegeneration.

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