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. 

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ICUS: FDA should remove ultrasound contrast agent warning

The International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) has urged the U.S. FDA to remove boxed warnings from ultrasound contrast agents based on research demonstrating its safety and clinical benefits.

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Coca-Cola considers putting cannabis in a health drink

The Coca-Cola Company admitted it is taking a hard look at the use of cannabis in drinks after reports emerged that the company was in talks to develop a health drink infused with cannabidiol, a compound from the cannabis plant.

New CVS Health policy will exclude drugs above cost-effectiveness threshold

CVS Health will allow self-funded insurers to exclude some drugs from coverage if the cost is too high. The policy has been met with criticism from the pharmaceutical industry, which argues CVS is dividing treatment at arbitrary values.

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$69B CVS-Aetna deal may get regulatory approval soon

CVS Health’s $69 billion takeover of Aetna may soon be greenlit by the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, according to Reuters, which cited a source familiar with the matter.

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$67B Cigna-Express Scripts deal clears DOJ

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division has cleared the $67 billion acquisition of Express Scripts by Cigna.

CMS proposes cutting more regulations

As part of its Patients Over Paperwork initiative, CMS has proposed another round of “red tape” cuts for healthcare providers that could reduce some burdens and loosen regulations across healthcare settings.

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Jefferson and Einstein Healthcare Network reach definitive merger agreement

Jefferson Health and Einstein Healthcare Network have reached a definitive agreement to merge after previously announcing their intentions in March.

ACR educates Capitol Hill staff on CTC screening

At a Sept. 12 Capitol Hill briefing, representatives from the American College of Radiology (ACR) discussed clinical and public health viewpoints for Medicare coverage of CT colonography (CTC) with staff members of about 30 senators and congressional representatives.