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.

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact
The 940-page document passed the House of Representatives in a 218 to 214 vote, and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. It contains a 20% cut to federal Medicaid funding, something Trump said he opposes.
Radiation in the cath lab: Tracking state-level regulations for cardiologists
Researchers hope these policies can be standardized in the future to help avoid confusion and improve clinician safety.
Doc groups say payer promises not enough to address care denials
MGMA and others who are part of the “Regulatory Relief Coalition” are urging Congress to continue pushing forward with the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.
Russian researcher strategizes on collaboration with China over healthcare AI
Have you ever wondered what China and Russia would talk about if they were to discuss AI in healthcare? It turns out they do just that—and a newly published academic paper straight out of the Russian Federation offers a glimpse into the dialogue.
10-second brain MRI scans possible with newly FDA-cleared deep learning reconstruction software
The artificial intelligence-enabled software offers accelerated acquisition times, improved image resolution and one-click workflows for technologists.

Best Buy to acquire senior-focused tech company for $800M

Best Buy has entered into an agreement to purchase health services provider GreatCall for $800 million in cash, the consumer electronics retailer announced Wednesday.

Ohio Medicaid ends contracts with CVS Caremark, Optum

Ohio has cut pharmacy benefit managers out of its Medicaid program and instructed insurance providers to enter new contracts by Jan. 1, 2019.

Arguments for ACA lawsuit from states scheduled for September

A Texas lawsuit seeking a halt in the enforcement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is ramping up, with oral arguments scheduled for Sept. 10. The lawsuit, which was filed by 20 Republican state attorneys general, argues the ACA is unconstitutional.

Adventist Health System changing name to AdventHealth

One of the nation’s largest faith-based health systems, Adventist Health System, will soon change its name to AdventHealth.

Google parent company bookmarks $375M for healthcare startup

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is investing $375 million into a healthcare startup called Oscar Health.

SNMMI urges FDA to help alleviate shortage of gallium-68

Currently, only one generator is FDA approved for the production of Ga-68 Dotatate injection (NetSpot), a radiopharmaceutical utilized for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and radionuclide therapy in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NET), according to a SNMMI letter sent to the FDA on Aug. 6.

Alzheimer’s law in Massachusetts sets a new standard for training, treatment

Healthcare professionals in Massachusetts will now have to undergo training in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia before they can obtain or renew licenses thanks to a new law.

Congresswoman pushes for permanent repeal of medical device tax

Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah, held a news conference Aug. 13 to call for Congress to permanently repeal the medical device tax. The House passed a bill to repeal the tax back in July, but the Senate has yet to take action.

Policy & Regulations

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact

Radiation in the cath lab: Tracking state-level regulations for cardiologists

Doc groups say payer promises not enough to address care denials

Russian researcher strategizes on collaboration with China over healthcare AI

10-second brain MRI scans possible with newly FDA-cleared deep learning reconstruction software