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.

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

Advancing AI for vascular surgery will require a commitment to data integrity

For artificial intelligence to truly transform care, the healthcare industry must address certain challenges. Jens Eldrup-Jorgensen, MD, a veteran vascular surgeon and member of the Society for Vascular Surgery, explains in a guest editorial.

From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks.

Radiology experts say state Medicaid rates must increase to improve imaging access

Eliminating reimbursement gaps may reduce the healthcare and outcome disparities experienced by these underserved groups, ACR-affiliated researchers reported.

Video of SNMMI President Cathy Cutler explaining advocacy efforts for nuclear imaging. #SNMMI

Policy reforms in Washington that will impact nuclear imaging

SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, explains some of the key policy initiatives the society is pursuing to help support the field of nuclear medicine.

FDA announces recall of cryoablation catheters after multiple injuries, including 4 deaths

Boston Scientific is recalling the catheters associated with its POLARx Cryoablation System due to a heightened risk of esophageal injury. The FDA has ruled that this a Class I recall.

Video of SNMMI President Cathy Cutler explaining the efforts to get U.S. production started for Mo-99 for a domestic supply of nuclear imaging isotopes. #RSNA #SNMMI #RSNA24 #RSNA2024 #isotopeshortage

U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging President, Cathy Cutler, explains the long road to jump-starting a new U.S. domestic supply of imaging isotopes.

Surgeons in Houston have performed the world’s first successful human implant of BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart (TAH) technology. The procedure was completed July 9, 2024, at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. It was part of an early feasibility study (EFS) first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in December 2023.

‘Incredibly rewarding’: FDA expands total artificial heart study after early success

An additional 15 patients will now receive BiVacor's titanium total artificial heart technology as they wait for a permanent transplant.

Congress reaches deal to partially blunt Medicare pay cut, ditches prior authorization reform

UPDATED Dec. 23: Lawmakers have now ditched the previously agreed-upon deal and passed a slimmed-down version at the urging of President-elect Trump.

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