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.

Medtronic's MiniMed 780 (left) and 670 (right) insulin pumps in FDA recall

FDA rules Medtronic’s insulin pump issues a Class I recall due to safety risks

Some of Medtronic's 600 and 700 series MiniMed insulin pumps are experiencing significant battery issues when dropped, bumped or impacted in any way. This has been linked to reports of health issues in more than 180 patients.

Outdated manuals pose MRI safety risks for patients with medical implants

After reviewing years of data from its clinic, one institution discovered that issues with implant data integrity frequently put patients at risk.

U.S. News & World Report children’s hospitals cardiology heart surgery

SCAI urges lawmakers to improve cardiac care access for children

The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act would expand Medicaid access for pediatric patients so that it covers interventional cardiologists outside of their home states.

Senators seek national coverage for supplemental breast imaging

Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Roger Marshall, MD, R-Kan., introduced the companion version of the Find It Early Act over a year after the House bill was proposed.

American College of Radiology reports continued progress in fight over payment for key CT service

Three of the seven Medicare Administrative Contractors have now agreed to cover cerebral perfusion analysis, used to assess for signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Medicare Advantage Part C clipboard payment

92% of rural Nebraska hospitals report financial hardship caused by Medicare Advantage plans

Members of the Nebraska Rural Health Association overwhelmingly expressed concerns that Medicare Advantage plans could jeopardize patient health. Some are considering dropping their contracts with the plans altogether.

Radiologist cites 'inattentional blindness' after missing signs of metastasis in patient

A woman in New Zealand is now battling advanced cancer after signs of worsening prognosis eluded the eyes of a radiologist.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, alomg with FEMA and state disaster recovery agency officials, get briefed by Mission Hospital CEO Greg Lowe on the impacts of the Hurricane Helene flooding on the main hospital in Ashville and what they need to continue operations. The hospital is operating, but is using water from trucks because the city water treatment facilities were damaged and contaminated during flooding. Photo North Carolina Governor's Office.

Federal government moves in to support Asheville, other Helene disaster areas

Asheville's water treatment facility was heavily damaged, forcing its hospitals to operate using water brought in from trucks.

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