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.

Lehigh Valley Health admits to controlled substances violations in $2.75M settlement
The Pennsylvania-based health system reported drug diversion incidents to authorities involving a pharmacy technician who used employee passwords to steal pills from one of its hospitals.
Sanitation issue forces FDA recall of ventilator suction systems
Ballard Closed Suction Systems will need to be returned to the manufacturer for a refund due to the high risk of a potentially fatal infection stemming from their use.
Medicare now covers TriClip procedures for patients with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation
CMS has finalized a new national coverage determination for T-TEER, sometimes known as transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. Abbott's TriClip is the only device approved by the FDA for T-TEER, but other treatment options are under development.
Healthcare AI today: HL7 Int’l opens AI office, Justice Dept. uses AI, epidemiologist harbors AI skepticism, more
HL7 International is open for AI business. The interoperability organization announced the launch of its new AI office July 8.
Shared decision-making visits significantly boost CT lung cancer screening adherence
SDM "is more than just a billing requirement—it’s a valuable opportunity to engage patients," says radiologist Farouk Dako, MD, MPH.

AI expert builds COVID-19 prediction model for smaller cities

With so many eyes fixed on New York City as the “epicenter” of the COVID-19 crisis in the U.S., it might go unnoticed at the national level that nearly 60,000 infections could be recorded some 150 miles to the north by June 8.

Grant radiologists more authority as ‘treating physicians,’ ACR urges federal government

This would allow imaging physicians to order diagnostic tests, and put them on equal footing with primary care and other specialists, CEO William Thorwarth Jr., MD, noted in a recent letter to CMS.

Antivaxxers finding allies in more than a few chiropractors

At a time when mandatory immunization bills are pending in numerous states, more than enough chiropractors have organized against the norm to raise many eyebrows and considerable Cain.

FDA gives emergency approval to decontaminate, reuse ‘millions’ of scarce N95 masks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced its latest emergency use authorization.

AI specialists raise $9M to expand platform for reducing medical errors

Ferrum Health, a San Francisco-based healthcare technology company, has closed a funding round worth $9 million.

Imaging giant Philips inks nearly $650M deal to produce ventilators under Defense Production Act

The Amsterdam-based company said it plans to double output at its U.S. sites by May, with a four-fold increase expected in July.

Parental leave for radiology residents: Robust but uneven

A lack of consistency in policies around the country in 2020 invites the question: Do residency program directors need national guidelines on parental leave?

13-state hospital operator expected to file for bankruptcy

A health system that runs 23 hospitals has moved to restructure its debt, a move that will likely lead to its filing for Chapter 11 protection.

Policy & Regulations

Lehigh Valley Health admits to controlled substances violations in $2.75M settlement

Sanitation issue forces FDA recall of ventilator suction systems

Medicare now covers TriClip procedures for patients with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation

Healthcare AI today: HL7 Int’l opens AI office, Justice Dept. uses AI, epidemiologist harbors AI skepticism, more

Shared decision-making visits significantly boost CT lung cancer screening adherence