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.

FDA issues Class I recall on counterfeit infusion pump batteries

ICU Medical alerted customers to knockoff batteries being circulated by suppliers. Due to a risk of the batteries not holding a charge, the recall has been given the FDA’s most serious designation.

older patient with a doctor at their house

‘Fundamental for all patients’: Exploring the benefits of palliative care for stroke survivors

Approximately 800,000 strokes occur each year in the United States alone. A majority of people survive, due in part to key advances in patient care over the years, but they often go forward without receiving the long-term help they need to recover and thrive.

Edwards Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement TTVR

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement

Edwards Lifesciences sent a formal request to CMS in February after its Evoque TTVR device gained FDA approval. The agency is now accepting public comments for 30 days.

FDA issues alert on PCNL sheath safety after patient death

Trokamed sent a letter to customers warning them to never use its Mini PCNL Sheaths for suction and irrigation, due to a risk of kidney rupture.

Sahajanand Medical Technologies (SMT) Hydra TAVR

Hydra TAVR valve gains key approval as global reach continues to grow

The self-expanding device is now available in more than 20 countries and received CE mark approval back in 2020. However, it has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States.

congress money medicare washington DC senate house

Physician Medicare pay fix in jeopardy following criticism from Donald Trump, Elon Musk

UPDATE: Congress on Friday, Dec. 20, passed a slimmed down version of the original continuing resolution with no physician Medicare pay fix.

Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate rejects MRI contrast coverage, labeling it ‘investigational’

The BCBS decision pertains to gadopiclenol, a gadolinium-based product sold under the brand names Elucirem and Vueway.

Radiologists push governor to veto bill that would produce ‘staggering’ increase in liability premiums

ACR noted that the state already is struggling to recruit and retain physicians, with the policy potentially exacerbating the problem.

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