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 to declare maternal Tylenol use a risk factor for autism, report says
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is set to release a report this month outlining possible causes of autism spectrum disorder. The Wall Street Journal reports that it names “low folate levels and acetaminophen during pregnancy” as contributing factors.
Healthcare AI today: Healthcare AI on Capitol Hill, hospital leadership’s eye on AI, publicly traded AI recalls, more
AI could appreciably improve the delivery of healthcare services to patients—if only people trusted it. For many, the difference-maker would be nicely crafted federal regulations.
Update: FDA announces new Class I recalls due to safety issue with Medtronic catheters
More than 100,000 surgical devices are included in these recalls, and there may be "limited product availability" in the months ahead. The FDA first warned the public about this issue in August.
Kneecapping National Institutes of Health will stifle economic growth, radiology groups warn
Over 500 healthcare organizations including the ACR issued their plea as Congress considers 2026 funding for the key federal agency.
HHS restoring deleted health information following legal challenge
A trove of content and data studies was purged from federal websites in an effort to eliminate “diversity, equity and inclusion.” That sweep also removed facts on maternal health, opioid addiction and more, leading to multiple lawsuits. One has now been settled.

aktiia hilo band cuffless blood pressure monitor

‘The start of a paradigm shift’: FDA clears first over-the-counter cuffless blood pressure monitor

The cuffless technology, which has already gained CE mark approval, should make its U.S. debut in 2026.

Lawmakers propose allowing radiologists to own hospitals, drawing ire from industry lobbying group

“Patients should have the freedom to choose the highest quality care available, and physicians should be allowed to provide it,” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas.

VA halts mass layoffs, still shedding 30,000 jobs by 2026

Veterans Affairs said plans to reduce its workforce by 85,000 have been called off. It has instead undertaken other efforts to improve efficiency. As for the 30,000 jobs it expects to lose by the end of 2025, those will come from early retirements.

doctor in handcuffs after being arrested

Doctor arrested for $5.2M fraud linked to using medical ozone gas on patients

Jawad Bhatti, MD, is facing a 26-count indictment from the U.S. Department of Justice after he allegedly advertised the use of ozone gas as a treatment for pain, then billed Medicare and Medicaid for the unapproved procedures.

FDA grants breakthrough therapy designation to new drug candidate for FA cardiomyopathy

The new drug, LX2006, has already received the FDA's fast track designation. This latest distinction was based on early data from two separate clinical trials.

American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees member Scott Ferguson, MD, FACR, a diagnostic radiologist in West Memphis, Arkansas, explains the combination of new healthcare policies under the Trump Administration are and problems that already existed under other administrations that were never fully addressed, are accelerating what the AMA sees as a growing crisis.

AMA trustee says the U.S. healthcare system is in a state of crisis

“We are in a crisis with healthcare research, administrative burdens, and with payment. Access for our patients is hurt," said American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees member Scott Ferguson, MD, FACR.

Healthcare AI today: Nurses called to AI action, Big Beautiful Law, of mice and AI, more

If nurses fail to lead the way toward safe and responsible use of healthcare AI, the profession may lose its voice on emerging technologies.

Congress Money washington DC legislation coverage payment

With MPFS proposal on the way, electrophysiology groups outline their priorities

The Heart Rhythm Society and its new advocacy arm plan on pushing CMS to include certain policy improvements in the 2026 MPFS.

Policy & Regulations

HHS to declare maternal Tylenol use a risk factor for autism, report says

Healthcare AI today: Healthcare AI on Capitol Hill, hospital leadership’s eye on AI, publicly traded AI recalls, more

Update: FDA announces new Class I recalls due to safety issue with Medtronic catheters

Kneecapping National Institutes of Health will stifle economic growth, radiology groups warn

HHS restoring deleted health information following legal challenge