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.

Report: NIH continues to pull research grants, in violation of court orders
While the policy of President Donald Trump is to axe research on transgender issues and DEI, scientists who spoke to the Boston Globe said their work does not run up against those restrictions.
HHS sends 80K workers a $25K ‘voluntary’ resignation notice
Per a media report, employees received the offer via email on Friday. No official layoffs have been announced.
Cardiology groups urge Congress to ‘take a stand’ after spending proposal fails to fix Medicare cuts
A new spending proposal that would extend government funding for another seven months does not address the Medicare payment cut that went into effect on Jan. 1. More than 100 healthcare groups, including the ACC, STS, SCCT and SCAI, are now voicing their disappointment.
Physicians ‘outraged’ after proposed spending package ditches doc fix
House Republicans on Saturday released a seven-month funding patch to avert a government shutdown, adding billions for deportations, veterans' healthcare and the military.
Lawmakers propose radiologist-supported bill to relieve shortages via foreign-born physicians
The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act is endorsed by the ACR, AMA and the American Hospital Association.

Microsoft: Ransomware hit nearly 400 healthcare entities this year—a 300% rise since 2015

A study from Microsoft on the impact of ransomware found unaffected nearby hospitals see a rise in stroke and cardiac arrest cases, in addition to an influx of patients.

Feds make it official: Change data breach was the largest in healthcare history, impacting 100M

Updated reporting from HHS shows UnitedHealth Group's estimate that roughly one-third of people in the U.S. would be affected was correct.

Medtronic’s next-generation TAVR device receives CE mark approval

The Evolut FX+ TAVR system, which already received FDA approval in March, was designed with improved coronary access in mind. One cardiologist described the device as a "significant step forward" for patients with heart disease.

Breast CT University of Arizona Srinivasan Vedantham

Radiology researchers score $3M NIH grant to develop compression-free breast CT system

University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers will use the funds to help recruit volunteers, hoping to test the system on 600 women.

FDA grants priority review for new brain cancer imaging agent

Pixclara (18F-FET) is a positron emission tomography product for the characterization of progressive or recurrent gliomas.

FDA approves first RSV vaccine for adults

Pfizer's Abrysvo vaccine can now be prescribed to all adults 18 and older at high risk for severe RSV complications, including pregnant women.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York sued over ‘ghost networks’

Thousands of patients have filed a class-action lawsuit against the insurer for issuing directories of providers who were out-of-network and did not take BCBS health plans.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Ransomware attacks even hurt hospitals that aren’t hit.

Policy & Regulations

Report: NIH continues to pull research grants, in violation of court orders

HHS sends 80K workers a $25K ‘voluntary’ resignation notice

Cardiology groups urge Congress to ‘take a stand’ after spending proposal fails to fix Medicare cuts

Physicians ‘outraged’ after proposed spending package ditches doc fix

Lawmakers propose radiologist-supported bill to relieve shortages via foreign-born physicians