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.

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.
AI newswatch: Lifecyle AI oversight, data matters, AI vs. animals, more
AI may finally end the paper chase caused by prior authorization. Or it may worsen it.

Imaging centers may be held liable for independent radiologists’ negligence, court rules

A recent decision expands the state's medical malpractice rules beyond hospital-based settings.

Bipartisan senators introduce radiologist-supported bill to cut prior authorization red tape

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2021 follows a similar proposal in the House and is endorsed by the ACR, AMA and American Hospital Association.

Top intelligence officials to undergo voluntary brain imaging amid 'Havana Syndrome' mystery

President Biden recently signed the Havana Act into law, hoping to identify brain changes among victims via radiological examination.

Radiology practices tap anti-SLAPP law, claim billing vendor’s lawsuit meant to intimidate providers

Physicians charge that Zotec Partners is attempting to stifle their legally protected ability to speak about billing concerns, according to court documents.

Radiologist-backed legislative push to rein in onerous prior authorization policies gains steam

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act now has majority support in the U.S. House, with sponsors eyeing next steps.

FDA hopes new guidance will prove ‘one of the most significant public health nutrition interventions in a generation’

Aimed at food manufacturers, chain restaurants and food service operators, the document offers target sodium levels for some 163 categories of processed, prepared and packaged foods.

43% of medical groups may freeze hiring, delay pop health efforts if Medicare cuts move forward

The findings are from a survey of the nation’s “leading” medical groups and integrated health systems, commissioned by the AMGA.

Updated lung cancer screening guidelines could spell 54% surge in LDCT imaging eligibility

These findings indicate healthcare systems should plan to increase capacity by 50%-60% to accommodate an influx of patients, experts wrote in JAMA.

Policy & Regulations

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

AI newswatch: Lifecyle AI oversight, data matters, AI vs. animals, more