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.

CDC updates clinical practice guideline for prescribing opioids

The new guideline suggests prescribing opioid-naïve patients with acute, subacute, or chronic pain the "lowest dosage to achieve expected effects."

‘Giveaway for private insurers’: ACR requests summary judgment without trial in surprise billing suit

The American College of Radiology, and similar groups representing emergency docs and anesthesiologists, want a rapid resolution with the law already taking effect Jan. 1.

HHS warns hospitals to safeguard against LockBit 2.0 ransomware

While the cybercrime organization claims to not attack healthcare organizations it remains a threat to the entire U.S. healthcare and public health sector, according to a recent alert.

More states considering legislation to help low-income patients pay high medical debt

The United States Census Bureau reports that 19% of U.S. households could not afford to pay for medical care right away.

Kaiser Permanente's 'secret' Medicaid deal with California raises eyebrows

The five-year agreement would make Kaiser Permanente the only insurer with a statewide Medi-Cal contract in California.

Oracle’s $28.3B deal to buy Cerner facing antitrust scrutiny, additional lawsuits

A filing submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission listed seven civil actions brought forth by Cerner stockholders that suggest disclosure documents contain "insufficient or incorrect" information.

Presidential call to action on cancer screening draws praise from radiology community

ACR chief executive William Thorwarth Jr., MD, said the college sees "real opportunity here for radiology" in the White House's recommendations.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission votes down controversial Authorized User Criteria changes

The proposed plan would have relaxed requirements for handling and administering unsealed radiopharmaceutical materials, which could present safety concerns, the ACR cautioned.

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