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.

State Supreme Court set to weigh in on radiology certificate-of-need battle

Pinnacle Health Services and Duke are arguing in court over their ability to add additional MRI services in Wake County, North Carolina.

FDA announces recall of Pfizer's fast-tracked sickle cell drug

The drugmaker is voluntarily withdrawing Oxbryta from the market due to a higher-than-acceptable risk of death.

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Public health coalition wins lawsuit against EPA for lack of fluoride oversight

A federal judge in California ruled existing evidence of the negative effects of fluoride in drinking water warrants an investigation and potential action from the Environmental Protection Agency.

With AFib ablation on the rise, HRS highlights importance of proper EP training

Cardiac ablation techniques and technologies are constantly evolving. Only well-trained specialists should be performing these procedures, the Heart Rhythm Society said in a new policy statement.

Strategic Radiology shares concern about inconsistencies in MAC payment determinations

Providers have reported issues with one Medicare Administrative Contractor covering PET scans, for example, with reimbursement falling significantly below the expense.

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Radiology societies advocate for CPT code changes

ACR and others did so as part of the recently held 2024 September American Medical Association CPT Editorial Panel meeting.

Cardiologists say heart patients are often their own worst enemy

Patient lifestyles represent a significant challenge when treating and managing heart patients, according to a survey of more than 400 cardiologists.

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Cardiology groups cheer new bill that would improve access to Medicare claims data

If passed, this bill would help clinician-led clinical registries explore Medicare data for research purposes. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American College of Cardiology both shared public support for the bipartisan legislation.

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