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.

5 signals EMS is ripe and ready for AI
Emergency medical services are there when you need them. Yet they barely come up in healthcare strategy discussions. AI could help change that.
Abbott warns EP labs the tip can detach from its TactiFlex ablation catheters
Improper removal of the catheter from the packaging can result in tip damage. Most damaged tips were detected prior to being used, but three tips did separate inside patients.
ACC: Global health workforce is in need of investment to combat noncommunicable diseases
The American College of Cardiology has committed to reducing morbidity and mortality from noncommunicable diseases by 30% by 2030, but significant investments will be needed to expand the healthcare workforce.
Radiologists and other docs express growing frustration with Merit-based Incentive Payment System
Over 30 medical societies including the American College of Radiology recently wrote to CMS Administrator Mehmet C. Oz, MD, MBA, to voice their concerns.
12 charged in Florida as part of ‘Operation Nightingale’ sting on low-quality nursing schools
The defendants include operators and staff at nursing schools that were shut down over accusations they provided pay-for-play degrees that RNs and LPNs used to obtain licenses.

Virtual reading room remains popular post-pandemic among certain radiologists, referrers

A large academic medical center launched a virtual radiology reading room in 2020 to comply with COVID-related social distancing guidelines. Today the room is still something of a hit.

FDA changes indications for Impella RP heart pump after dramatic shift in mortality rate

The Impella RP System is still associated with significant benefits, the FDA said, but there are certain high-risk patients who should no longer be eligible for treatment.

Integra LifeSciences to acquire SIA in deal worth up to $140M

Integra LifeSciences Holding Corporation, a global medical technology company, has agreed to acquire Surgical Innovation Associates (SIA), which is known as the manufacturer of monofilament mesh for plastic and reconstructive surgery. The deal is valued up to $140 million.

Medtronic reaches milestone in study of pulsed-field ablation and mapping catheter for AFib

A randomized study of more than 450 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation is now underway. All patients have been treated, and their outcomes will be tracked for 12 months.

Amazon’s $3.9B acquisition of One Medical under review in Oregon

The state of Oregon is taking a hard look at the proposed acquisition of One Medical by Amazon. The deal is valued at $3.9 billion.

As FDA approaches decision on Alzheimer's drug, 2 deaths raise concerns

Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai has denied that two deaths that have sparked concerns about a new Alzheimer's disease drug treatment are attributed to its trials.

FDA announces another recall for troubled heart device after multiple hospitalizations

This latest recall involves the device's driveline boot cover, which “can become stiff over time” and cause problems for clinicians. There have been 33 complaints since 2017 related to the issue.

High copays keep many heart failure patients from filling needed prescriptions

Researchers examined data from more than 900 patients, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Policy & Regulations

5 signals EMS is ripe and ready for AI

Abbott warns EP labs the tip can detach from its TactiFlex ablation catheters

ACC: Global health workforce is in need of investment to combat noncommunicable diseases

Radiologists and other docs express growing frustration with Merit-based Incentive Payment System

12 charged in Florida as part of ‘Operation Nightingale’ sting on low-quality nursing schools