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.

DOJ accuses doctor of illegally prescribing opiates in exchange for sex
Ritesh Kalra, MD, allegedly wrote 31,000 opioid prescriptions between 2019 and 2025, many of which were illegitimate. He is accused of inappropriately touching patients in exchange for oxycodone scripts as part of a five-count criminal indictment.
Assembly issue spurs FDA recall on manual resuscitators
A problem with the B/V filters on SunMed adult resuscitators can cause the devices to malfunction. Due to the high safety risk this poses to patients, the FDA has assigned this recall its most serious designation.
Bipartisan lawmakers seek to increase funding for mobile CT lung cancer screening
The Mobile Cancer Screening Act would offer grants to help imaging providers purchase mobile CT screening units through the federal government.
Healthcare AI today: Pittsburgh’s bonanza, Bay area’s superstars, Dr. Google’s followers, more
The numbers from Pittsburgh are staggering. And they’re all about blasting American-made AI into the stratosphere, if not to Infinity and beyond.
Two insurers dominate most Medicare Advantage markets, report finds
Over 97% of all counties in the U.S. see high or very high levels of consolidation in Medicare Advantage markets, with UnitedHealthcare and Humana owning the most plans nationwide.

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.

artificial intelligence AI deep learning ChatGPT OpenAI Microsoft Google

Too much too soon? Elon Musk, other tech leaders pause AI development to review ethics

Healthcare is one of the biggest areas of opportunity for AI, with more than 500 health AI algorithms cleared by the FDA over the last several years.

Specialized lung AI tool cleared for U.S. sales

A popular marketer of handheld ultrasound devices has won FDA approval for an AI-enabled B-line quantification tool for use with patients suspected of having compromised lung function.

Illumina ordered to divest Grail

The agency, which is charged with preventing fraud, deception and unfair business practices, said Illumina’s acquisition of Grail would stifle competition and innovation in the U.S. market for life-saving cancer tests.

CMS finalizes 2024 MA payment rule with rate bump

According to CMS, MA plans will see an average payment increase of 3.32% from 2023 to 2024, worth approximately $13.8 billion in increases for next year.

FDA announces third recall of 2023 for troubled heart devices

This latest recall is due to a heightened risk that the devices will stop working with no warning. There have been 42 customer complaints reported so far.

FDA turns up sterility issues at eye drop facility linked to deaths, vision loss

The FDA has found a drug-resistant bacteria at an eye drop manufacturing facility linked to severe infections and even a few deaths.

Affordable Care Act dealt a blow in new judgment

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was dealt a major blow after a federal judge ruled that employers don’t have to cover certain preventive services, including PReP, which prevents HIV.

Policy & Regulations

DOJ accuses doctor of illegally prescribing opiates in exchange for sex

Assembly issue spurs FDA recall on manual resuscitators

Bipartisan lawmakers seek to increase funding for mobile CT lung cancer screening

Healthcare AI today: Pittsburgh’s bonanza, Bay area’s superstars, Dr. Google’s followers, more

Two insurers dominate most Medicare Advantage markets, report finds