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.

Radiologists speak during Capitol Hill briefing on key breast imaging legislation

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., convened the hearing a day before new FDA breast density notification requirements were set to go into effect on Sept. 10.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission warns of medical mishaps stemming from radiopharmaceutical use

NRC estimates that 29 of these “medical events” occurred between 2021 and 2023, with “many” involving new therapeutic radiopharma procedures.

American College of Radiology ‘strongly disagrees’ with making CMS payment model mandatory

The feds see this as a way of increasing specialist engagement in value-based care and bolstering their collaboration with PCPs and Medicare beneficiaries.

Biden administration aims to improve prior authorizations for mental health services

Announced Monday, modifications to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act would close loopholes that limit patient access to mental health and addiction treatments.

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

Breast density notification requirements officially go into effect

Imaging facilities are now required to notify all women about their breast density status after completing a mammogram.

AMA warns of ‘growing gap’ between Medicare pay and cost of physician care

"We strongly urge CMS to acknowledge the negative effects of the proposed payment cut on Medicare beneficiaries in the final rule," the American Medical Association wrote in a comment letter shared Sept. 5.

Another 947K patient records found to be leaked in MOVEit breach

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation are sending notices to impacted patients. The data was leaked as a result of the May 2023 MOVEit exploit.

Video interview with Elizabeth Ann Ignacio, MD, FSIR, FACR., chair of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Small and Rural Practices Committee and president of the Hawaii Medical Association, who explains the challenges facing rural healthcare providers and the key reasons for burnout.

Interventional radiologist burnout and retention in rural areas largely related to administrative burdens

"A significant part of burnout stems from the overwhelming administrative burden," explains Elizabeth Ann Ignacio, MD, FSIR, FACR, chair of the SIR Small and Rural Practices Committee.

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