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.

COVID-19 congress coronavirus Washington

FDA eases inspection, quality regulations for mammography facilities struggling during COVID crisis

The new guidance is expected to increase the availability of breast imaging services during the pandemic, the administration said recently.

CMS officially delays radiation oncology payment model, citing COVID-19’s economic strain

The feds originally planned to kick off the mandatory bundled-payment program Jan. 1 but will now postpone the go-live date to July.

CMS chief calls radiologist-opposed Medicare cuts routine, a separate issue from the pandemic

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently dropped its final 2021 Physician Fee Schedule, which includes sizable pay cuts for certain specialties.

Neiman Health Policy Institute underscores COVID-19’s profound effect across the radiology profession

The American College of Radiology-established research outfit explored some of its recent and upcoming work during a session at RSNA 2020.

Controversial radiologist and White House COVID-19 advisor Scott Atlas resigns

The Stanford University senior fellow called it an “honor and a privilege” to serve America since August.

Appeals court reinstates tossed $2.6M jury verdict against radiologist who allegedly misread breast images

The legal battle dates back to 2012, when plaintiffs claim Sanford Minkin, MD, misinterpreted ultrasound and mammography images, leading to Lana Burton's eventual death from breast cancer.

3 industry orgs suing HHS, FDA over Canadian drug imports

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is combining forces with two other groups to challenge the FDA final rule allowing broad, state-by-state importation of drugs from Canada.

CMS overhauls physician self-referral regs, while doc groups say Stark Law still ‘beyond comprehension’

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently issued what it called a "historic" update in a bid to "unleash innovation" in medicine.

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