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.

Lawyer: Immigration policy reforms would address healthcare staffing shortages

Kathleen Campbell Walker, JD, immigration practice group chair at the law firm Dickinson Wright, explains how outdated immigration policy is exacerbating the healthcare staffing shortage.

MRI accident prompts questions on safety

Yet another MRI 'freak accident' is making headlines months after it took place

When it happened, news of the incident did not circulate, and whether it was reported to any governing body remains unclear.

Time running out to comment on higher cardiac CT payments

Imaging experts have said the move could reshape the financial landscape for hospitals offering Cardiac CT services.

State passes law granting attorney general more authority to review private equity healthcare deals

Annual private equity investment in healthcare reached $83B billion three years ago, but these transactions have faced little scrutiny to ensure they are in the public’s best interest, sponsors note.

FDA recalls Medtronic video laryngoscopes due to risk of explosion

One person has been reportedly injured and the recall has been labelled "most serious" by the FDA.

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system

Safety update: Sensor issue with Abbott CGMs ruled a Class I recall

The sensors of certain FreeStyle Libre 3 devices are producing inaccurate glucose readings and should not be used. Two patient injuries have been reported. Abbott first reported the problem in July.

Novartis breaks ground on 2 new facilities aimed at increasing radiopharma production

The Swiss drugmaker recently started work on a new plant in Indianapolis, which will produce isotopes needed for key radioligand therapies.

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

State becomes the 26th to pass legislation bolstering breast imaging coverage

“Exorbitant” OOP costs for ultrasounds and MRIs may be keeping women from undergoing these follow-up exams, or forcing them to make “significant financial sacrifices,” notes Susan G. Komen.

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