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.

Humana hits highest share price ever

With a stake in two post-acute care companies under its belt, health insurer Humana saw its share price hit a new record high last week.

Amazon eyeing investment in Indian pharmacy chain

Retail giant Amazon is in early talk to invest in Medplus, India’s second-largest pharmacy chain, according to FactorDaily.

HHS diverts $40M to immigration crisis under Trump policy

President Donald Trump’s policy of “zero tolerance” on illegal immigration has led HHS to redirect millions in funding to house migrant children separated from their parents at the border.

HHS proposals for 340B drug pricing program prompt industry objections

Proposed changes to the 340B drug pricing program, in addition to other cuts in payments, are being called out by industry associations and providers.

Draft legislation would delay implementation of USPSTF breast cancer screening recommendations another year

Implementation of breast cancer screening recommendations published by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has been delayed by various pieces of legislation since they were first finalized. Now, the House Appropriations Committee has approved draft legislation that would extend the current delay in implementation by another year, all the way to Jan. 1, 2021.

'Breakthrough' drug designations result in less certainty

Speeding up the regulatory process has led to uncertainty about the effectiveness of some new drugs.

Hospital utilization slows as healthcare moves to cheaper care settings

Hospital utilization is slowing down in its growth, according to a recent survey of hospital administrators. The trend underscores the shift across the healthcare system away from high-cost settings toward lower-cost outpatient utilization.

Healthcare venture capital funding to hit new high in 2018

Venture capital funding continues to pour into healthcare startups, and the pace this year is already expected to top 2017's total figure of $15 billion.

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