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.

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Working with Medicare Advantage insurance plans is like playing poker in the Wild West. And it’s gotten a lot harder to win since the cowboys started using AI.

artificial intelligence regulation legislation

Renewed optimism that radiologist-supported bill to ease prior authorization could pass by year’s end

The bipartisan bill would simplify how payers process utilization requests in Medicare Advantage and is supported by 500 healthcare organizations and 200-plus lawmakers.

AI artificial intelligence in healthcare

AdvaMed itemizes AI imperatives for ‘the entire healthcare ecosystem’

If you work with healthcare AI, you owe it to patients, families and communities to keep certain principles top of mind in everything you do.

UnitedHealth defends $3.3B Amedisys acquisition

UnitedHealth subsidiary Optum is turning to the court of public opinion to defend the merger.

AMA delegates voice concern about radiologists' exposure to ionizing radiation

The American Medical Association House of Delegates on Tuesday approved a resolution urging the organization to step up advocacy efforts on this issue.

DOJ sues to block UnitedHealth’s $3.3B acquisition of home health giant

The DOJ met with UnitedHealth execs in an attempt to resolve antitrust concerns out of court, but those talks stalled, a report claims.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Healthcare payers favor software that helps their companies personalize member experience and engagement.

Radiologists and other physicians want greater scrutiny around hospitals’ nonprofit status

Docs at the AMA’s Interim Meeting in Orlando, Florida, have voted to support greater oversight of nonprofit hospitals and to standardize charity care policies.

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