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.

Johnson & Johnson gains CE mark approval for catheter capable of radiofrequency, PFA ablation
A new catheter from Johnson & Johnson MedTech is now approved to treat cardiac arrhythmias in Europe. Could FDA approval be on the horizon?
UnitedHealth, Amedisys ask federal judge to dismiss DOJ lawsuit blocking $3.3B merger
The companies argue that the U.S. Department of Justice has failed to adequately demonstrate how, and in which regions of the country, the merger would harm competition. They are asking a federal court to throw out the case.
Practice managers demand ‘immediate action’ on physician Medicare pay cut
The Medical Group Management Association made its demands in a letter to newly appointed leaders in the U.S. House and Senate sent Tuesday.
Healthcare private equity reporting act signed into law by Mass. governor
The new law will require private equity firms to make disclosures related to organizational structure and finances if they intend to operate a medical facility or provider organization in the state.
Compensation rising for cardiology APPs as they get more involved in patient care
Advanced practice providers continue to play a significant role in cardiology, helping care teams overcome the challenges brought on by an ongoing physician shortage, declining reimbursements and an aging population.

Senate finalizes radiologist-supported bill to address burnout following physician’s suicide

The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act went to President Joe Biden for his final signature after its Feb. 17 passage.

February 22, 2022

Major pharmacy group criticizes FTC decision on PBMs

FTC failed to reach a consensus on a study looking into PBM practices.

February 18, 2022

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

M&A activity was down in 2021, but 'mega-mergers' spiked

Last year saw the largest percentage of mega transactions over the past six years at 16.3%, nearly double that of 2020.

February 17, 2022

AMA releases new toolkit with 5 steps to achieve racial, health equity

The "Racial and Health Equity: Concrete STEPS for Health Systems toolkit is the latest addition to a collection of more than 70 other toolkits that cover transformative medical practice solutions.

February 16, 2022

Health-tech companies back new legislation introduced to modernize ‘outdated’ health privacy laws

Teladoc Health, IBM, Epic and others all support the bipartisan Health Data Use and Privacy Commission Act.

February 16, 2022

With patient safety slipping, CDC and CMS turn focus to more resilient approaches

COVID-19 has led to a quick and steep decline in patient safety across the entire American healthcare system.

February 16, 2022

Appeals court revives lawsuit alleging misordered CT scan led to patient’s death

Lynda Newman, MD, claimed she ordered imaging with contrast, suspecting aortic dissection, but a rad tech performed CT without, leading to a missed diagnosis.

February 16, 2022

HHS awards $55 million to expand virtual healthcare access

The awards will enhance telehealth, digital patient tools and health information technology to support underserved communities.

February 15, 2022

Policy & Regulations

Johnson & Johnson gains CE mark approval for catheter capable of radiofrequency, PFA ablation

UnitedHealth, Amedisys ask federal judge to dismiss DOJ lawsuit blocking $3.3B merger

Practice managers demand ‘immediate action’ on physician Medicare pay cut

Healthcare private equity reporting act signed into law by Mass. governor

Compensation rising for cardiology APPs as they get more involved in patient care