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.

FDA issues alert on PCNL sheath safety after patient death

Trokamed sent a letter to customers warning them to never use its Mini PCNL Sheaths for suction and irrigation, due to a risk of kidney rupture.

Sahajanand Medical Technologies (SMT) Hydra TAVR

Hydra TAVR valve gains key approval as global reach continues to grow

The self-expanding device is now available in more than 20 countries and received CE mark approval back in 2020. However, it has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States.

congress money medicare washington DC senate house

Physician Medicare pay fix in jeopardy following criticism from Donald Trump, Elon Musk

UPDATE: Congress on Friday, Dec. 20, passed a slimmed down version of the original continuing resolution with no physician Medicare pay fix.

Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate rejects MRI contrast coverage, labeling it ‘investigational’

The BCBS decision pertains to gadopiclenol, a gadolinium-based product sold under the brand names Elucirem and Vueway.

Radiologists push governor to veto bill that would produce ‘staggering’ increase in liability premiums

ACR noted that the state already is struggling to recruit and retain physicians, with the policy potentially exacerbating the problem.

CVS Health announces $10.6B acquisition of Oak Street Health

DOJ sues CVS over unlawful opioid prescriptions and reimbursement

The U.S. Department of Justice said policies at CVS Health forbade pharmacists from discussing patients and providers who may be prescribing opiates in violation of the Controlled Substance Act.

artificial intelligence pharmaceutical industry

FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Nurses are making their peace with workplace AI.

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