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. 

California State Capitol Sacramento

State passes law granting attorney general more authority to review private equity healthcare deals

Annual private equity investment in healthcare reached $83B billion three years ago, but these transactions have faced little scrutiny to ensure they are in the public’s best interest, sponsors note. 

FDA recalls Medtronic video laryngoscopes due to risk of explosion

One person has been reportedly injured and the recall has been labelled "most serious" by the FDA. 

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system

Safety update: Sensor issue with Abbott CGMs ruled a Class I recall

The sensors of certain FreeStyle Libre 3 devices are producing inaccurate glucose readings and should not be used. Two patient injuries have been reported. Abbott first reported the problem in July. 

Novartis

Novartis breaks ground on 2 new facilities aimed at increasing radiopharma production

The Swiss drugmaker recently started work on a new plant in Indianapolis, which will produce isotopes needed for key radioligand therapies. 

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

State becomes the 26th to pass legislation bolstering breast imaging coverage

“Exorbitant” OOP costs for ultrasounds and MRIs may be keeping women from undergoing these follow-up exams, or forcing them to make “significant financial sacrifices,” notes Susan G. Komen. 

California-Governor-Desk-Office-Speech

Bill to regulate private equity passes California legislature, heads to Newsom’s desk

Governor Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill, which gives the attorney general oversight over private equity buyouts in healthcare.

Nationwide chain of mental health centers accused of unlawfully imprisoning patients

A New York Times report said Acadia Healthcare indefinitely detained patients to extract insurance payouts.

Elizabeth Ann Ignacio, MD, FSIR, FACR, the chair of Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Small and Rural Practices Committee, president of the Hawaii Medical Association, and a board member of the American College of Radiology, outlines the shortage of IRs outside of major cities and ways to make these positions more attractive.

How to address the shortage of interventional radiologists

Elizabeth Ann Ignacio, MD, FSIR, FACR, chair of SIR Small and Rural Practices Committee, and an ACR board member, outlines ways to make these positions outside of major cities more attractive.