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. 

FDA Photo: Vinay Prasad, MD,

Researcher Vinay Prasad returns to FDA after abrupt resignation

Prasad, MD, left the agency following a blog post from right-wing pundit Laura Loomer highlighting his progressive political views. However, now less than two weeks later, he returns to his leadership role in vaccine policy.

Medical journal bucks RFK, refuses to retract Danish vaccine study

A study analyzing data on 1.2 million children over two decades found no evidence that aluminum ingredients in vaccines cause autism or autoimmune disorders. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the research “deceitful propaganda.”

Radiologists say bill to grant pharmacists more authority could have ‘dangerous long-term consequences’

Bipartisan senators recently reintroduced the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, which could help fill care gaps in rural geographies. 

cannabis use disorder marijuana joint weed smoking

Alabama medical marijuana lawsuit dismissed due to lack of standing

A group of plaintiffs tried to use the courts to force the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission to develop a patient database needed for doctors to begin issuing prescriptions. But a judge ruled the group lacked standing, as such litigation typically requires backing from the state attorney general. Medical cannabis became legal in the state back in September 2022. 

Helene damage to bridge Baxter North Cove facility in North Carolina.

FDA confirms end to IV saline shortage caused by Hurricane Helene

Nearly 11 months after the hurricane flooded a Baxter manufacturing facility near Asheville, North Carolina, the resulting nationwide shortage of saline solution bags is officially over.

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Healthcare AI today: AMA drills into Trump plan, Illinois forbids AI talk therapy, Mayo Clinic speeds ahead (again)

The AMA doesn’t refute much of the Trump AI Action Plan so much as amplify some of its talking points. One exception is the plan’s open disdain for ‘woke’ AI.

prostate PSMA

New formulation of popular PSMA imaging agent could up availability by 50%

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted a New Drug Application for a new formulation of a commercially available PSMA imaging agent. 

TechLive RadNet

FDA clears new RadNet solution that allows techs to remotely control scanners

TechLive is a remote-scanning tool enabling centralized operation and supervision of MR, CT, PET/CT and ultrasound procedures.