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 sued over RFK’s $11B cuts to infectious disease control
The Department of Health and Human Services is refusing to allocate funds meant to support state and local healthcare initiatives, as the money stemmed from now-defunct COVID-19 control efforts. A coalition of municipalities is suing to lift the block.
FDA announces new recall of Abbott heart pump accessories over significant safety risks
The mobile power units of certain HeartMate 3 and HeartMate II LVADs have been experiencing “sudden, unexpected performance issues” such as turning on, off or even restarting with no warning. These issues can potentially be fatal, according to an alert shared by the FDA.
‘Innovative’ pay model eliminates cost uncertainty for breast and lung cancer screening patients
Experts have proposed “episode-based cost sharing” to address financial toxicity for healthcare consumers, according to new research published in JACR.
Rad tech advocates recognized for their work fighting scope creep in 2 states
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists this week gave its 2025 Awards for Advocacy to both Diane Kosenko, with Radiology Associates of Hartford, Conn., and its Minnesota affiliate.
Congressmen propose bill to address patient safety loophole in medical imaging
Reps. Don Davis, Morgan Griffith and Ben Cline recently introduced the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act of 2025.

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.

UnitedHealthcare subpoenaed over data breach impacting 22,000 people

The Rhode Island Attorney General's office said "one or more" entities may have diverted from standard information safeguards.

Medicare patients will have access to free at-home COVID tests starting this spring

Under the Biden administration's new mandate, Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will be eligible for eight free tests each month.

Policy & Regulations

HHS sued over RFK’s $11B cuts to infectious disease control

FDA announces new recall of Abbott heart pump accessories over significant safety risks

‘Innovative’ pay model eliminates cost uncertainty for breast and lung cancer screening patients

Rad tech advocates recognized for their work fighting scope creep in 2 states

Congressmen propose bill to address patient safety loophole in medical imaging