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.

Radiologists implore HHS to punish payers who undermine surprise-billing protections
Over 100 specialty societies and state medical associations wrote to Health and Human Services and other departments to voice their growing frustration with the No Surprises Act.
6 things the hospital-at-home model needs to scale up nationally
Earlier this year Congress extended CMS’s hospital-at-home waiver for five years via the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. With that bold stroke, ‘HaH’ services became eligible for Medicare reimbursement through September of 2030.
Nonprofit physician support program faces lawsuit from two docs who say it irreparably damaged their careers
Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP), a contractor with the state health department, is accused of trapping two physicians into mental health treatment as a condition of maintaining their medical residency jobs. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit are seeking class action status.
FTC settles antitrust lawsuit against private equity-backed anesthesiology chain
Federal regulators alleged that U.S. Anesthesia Partners—a portfolio company of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowes—engaged in a “roll-up scheme” in Texas that effectively eliminated the competition. The company denies the allegations, but has agreed to undisclosed terms that would see the lawsuit resolved.
IV fluids recalled over possible contamination—patients face risk of vascular complications
Particulate matter may be present in certain 1-liter containers of B. Braun Medical's Lactated Ringer's Injections. If this enters a patient's circulatory system, it could lead to a series of adverse events.

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HHS seeks input on how reimbursement, regulation could bolster use of healthcare AI

The key agency released a request for information on Dec. 19, asking for broad input on how it can accelerate the adoption of AI in clinical care.

New iron-based imaging agent significantly improves brain tumor visualization

Ferumoxytol is used primarily in medications that treat anemia, but the FDA recently cleared it for deployment in brain imaging as well.

Grand jury indicts telehealth provider in alleged $100M Adderall distribution scheme

The U.S. Department of Justice has formally accused Done Global of unlawfully distributing ADHD medications without medical need, using a subscription program and targeted advertising to find patients searching for drugs. The company is also accused of filing false medical claims to Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance. Done's founder and CEO was convicted last month on related charges and awaits sentencing.

Cardiology’s biggest trend: New scientific statements take on AI-powered coronary plaque evaluations

The ACC and AHA both issued new statements on noninvasive CCTA offerings that use advanced AI to evaluate patients with suspected CAD. These technologies have gained significant momentum in recent years, and experts agree that they represent a game-changing advancement in the world of cardiovascular imaging.

‘President of common sense’: Trump reschedules marijuana, improving patient access

By signing an executive order, President Donald Trump has shifted marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, opening the door for medical and research uses nationwide.

Abbott has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and CE mark approval for its Amplatzer Piccolo Delivery System.

FDA clears Abbott delivery device for closing holes in the hearts of premature infants

Cardiologists now have a new tool to assist with PDA closure in these vulnerable patients.

American College of Radiology’s longtime head of advocacy to retire

Cynthia R. Moran joined the organization in 2003 after previously spending a decade as director of government relations with the American Academy of Ophthalmology

In brief: Dems and GOPers both wrong about healthcare | Physician trainees literally going hungry | Uplifting points of 2025 light

Democrats want to keep Obamacare going. Republicans want to replace it, ideally with health savings accounts. Regardless of which approach holds sway this week—or whenever—either one would be woefully shortsighted.

Policy & Regulations

Radiologists implore HHS to punish payers who undermine surprise-billing protections

6 things the hospital-at-home model needs to scale up nationally

Nonprofit physician support program faces lawsuit from two docs who say it irreparably damaged their careers

FTC settles antitrust lawsuit against private equity-backed anesthesiology chain

IV fluids recalled over possible contamination—patients face risk of vascular complications